Helping Unlock Trade Opportunities

Shradha Suri Marwah, President, Auto Component Manufacturers Association, and CMD, Subros Ltd, in this insightful interview with MMI’s Editor-in-Chief Soumi Mitra, highlights the holistic approach India must resort to for establishing itself a global manufacturing hub, the association’s critical role in boosting our auto components export, and also the significance of holding the ACMA conference during IMTEX 2025.

As India aims to become a US$ 1 trillion manufacturing market, what key factors will determine its competitiveness on the global stage?

India's aspiration to become a US$ 1 trillion manufacturing market hinges on key enablers that will shape its global competitiveness. Leveraging its inherent cost advantages—such as affordable labor and abundant raw materials, India must position itself as an attractive destination for foreign investment. Equally critical is a steadfast focus on quality, with manufacturers adopting advanced systems to meet stringent global standards and build customer confidence.

Government initiatives like ‘Make in India’ and the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes continue to play a pivotal role in creating a robust ecosystem for local manufacturing. However, competitiveness on the global stage requires more than policy support. Indian manufacturers must prioritize technological advancements, and supply chain optimization to enhance productivity and resilience.

A holistic approach—combining cost efficiency, quality assurance, innovation, and policy support—will not only boost exports but also drive job creation and sustained economic growth. By capitalizing on these factors, India can firmly establish itself as a global manufacturing hub.

Could you please share how ACMA supports the growth of India’s auto component exports and facilitates international trade opportunities for manufacturers? ACMA has partnerships with international organizations. How do these collaborations help Indian manufacturers compete globally? 

ACMA is dedicated to boosting India’s auto component exports and unlocking global trade opportunities for manufacturers. We actively support our members through initiatives like global trade shows, reverse buyer-seller meets, and market access programs, ensuring their strong presence in key international markets.

Our partnerships with renowned global organizations play a vital role in this effort. These collaborations help Indian manufacturers adopt best practices, embrace advanced technologies, and meet international quality benchmarks. By staying attuned to global market trends and compliance requirements, we empower our members to enhance their competitiveness and build lasting trust with global customers.

India’s Auto Component industry stands out for its innovation, dependability, and sustainable practices. ACMA’s efforts continue to position India as a preferred destination for high-quality automotive components, reinforcing our commitment to driving growth and excellence on the global stage.

How has the performance of India's auto component exports been in recent years? Which regions or markets are the primary destinations?  What factors are driving the growth of India’s exports in automotive components?

India's auto component exports have demonstrated remarkable growth, rising by 5.5 percent to US$ 21.2 billion in FY 2023-24. This progress reflects the sector’s resilience and increasing global competitiveness. North America and Europe remain the primary export destinations, collectively accounting for over 65 percent of exports. Notably, exports to Europe grew by 12 percent, while North America recorded a 4.5 percent increase, underscoring the strong demand in these regions.

Several factors drive this growth. Indian manufacturers have prioritized localization, technological innovation, and the development of higher value-added components, enabling them to meet evolving global standards. These efforts, combined with a robust domestic manufacturing base and a thriving aftermarket, have strengthened India’s position in the global supply chain.

Despite challenges such as rising logistics costs and geopolitical uncertainties, the sector’s focus on quality and innovation continues to fuel its momentum. The commitment to excellence and adaptability ensures that Indian auto component manufacturers remain key players on the international stage.

How well are Indian machine tool builders equipped to cater to the evolving needs of the Auto Component sector?

Indian machine tool builders are rising to meet the dynamic needs of the Auto Component sector with remarkable agility. By adopting advanced technologies like automation, precision machining, and solutions tailored for EV
components, they are providing innovative, high-performance machinery. This evolution positions them as not just domestic suppliers but also strong contenders on the global stage.

The emphasis on efficiency and quality has helped these manufacturers drive productivity gains while staying cost competitive. Government initiatives such as ‘Make in India’ have further catalyzed investment and innovation, enabling machine tool builders to keep pace with changing market requirements. Today, they are playing a pivotal role in strengthening India’s automotive value chain, delivering solutions that align with the sector’s rapid transformation.

With Bharat Mobility Global Expo establishing itself as a key platform for global automotive and mobility players, how does ACMA plan to leverage the 2025 edition of the event to strengthen its position in the mobility value chain?

ACMA views the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025 as a pivotal opportunity to strengthen its role in the evolving mobility value chain. The expo provides a platform to showcase India's prowess in automotive manufacturing and emerging technologies, with a focus on sustainable and electric mobility solutions. By bringing together leading OEMs, component manufacturers, and global stakeholders, ACMA aims to foster meaningful collaborations and partnerships that drive innovation and growth.

This event is not just about highlighting products; it’s about positioning India as a global hub for cutting-edge automotive solutions. Through dialogues on green technologies and future-ready strategies, we will underscore our commitment to sustainability and innovation. For ACMA, the expo is a chance to cement its role as a key enabler for the industry, helping Indian manufacturers explore new markets, expand their global footprint, and build lasting synergies within the mobility ecosystem.

Kindly run through the significance of holding the ACMA conference during IMTEX 2025 at Bangalore International Exhibition Centre.

The ACMA conference at IMTEX 2025, to be hosted at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre, is a pivotal forum for shaping the future of India’s Automotive Component Manufacturing sector. Held alongside IMTEX, a premier exhibition of advanced machining technologies, the conference focuses on addressing industry challenges and fostering the adoption of innovative and sustainable machining practices.

The event features a keynote that explores India’s growing influence in the global automotive component market, providing invaluable insights to industry stakeholders. A panel discussion with renowned leaders further delves into strategies for achieving global quality benchmarks, while contributions from OEMs, manufacturers, and academia enrich the discourse with diverse perspectives.

Equally significant are the networking opportunities, enabling meaningful engagement with policymakers, researchers, and industry experts. These interactions not only strengthen industry-academia ties but also pave the way for transformative collaborations. By leveraging the global platform of IMTEX, the ACMA conference reaffirms India’s commitment to excellence and innovation, reinforcing its position as a key player in the international automotive components landscape.

SOUMI MITRA Editor-in-Chief Modern Manufacturing India soumi.mitra@magicwandmedia.in

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