New Delhi, Jan 17 (UNI) Noting that India is fast moving towards smart mobility, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said the country is also rapidly working in the areas of connected vehicles and autonomous driving.
"Now we are moving towards smart mobility. India is also working rapidly in the direction of connected vehicles and autonomous driving," Modi said in his inaugural address at Bharat Mobility Expo 2025 here.
PM Modi said that many factors are currently driving the future of mobility in India such as the country's youth population, growing size of Middle class, rapid urbanisation, modern infrastructure and affordable vehicles resulting from Make-In-India push.
"India is the fifth largest economy in the world today. If we look at the passenger vehicle market, we are at number three in the world. Imagine, where will our auto market be when India becomes the third largest economy globally?" Modi said.
PM Modi said that India is today focusing on the development of green technology, EVs (electric vehicles), hydrogen fuel and biofuels.
"India’s automotive industry is both fantastic and future-ready," he remarked.
Modi also remembered Ratan Tata and Osamu Suzuki who passed away recently as he opened the mega mobility event.
"Ratan Tata and Osamu Suzuki made huge contributions in the growth of India's auto sector and in fulfilling the dreams of the middle class," the Prime Minister said while paying tributes to the two veterans.
The Bharat Mobility Expo will be held from 17-22 January, 2025 across three separate venues -- Bharat Mandapam and Yashobhoomi in New Delhi and India Expo Center & Mart, Greater Noida. The expo aims to unite the entire mobility value chain under one umbrella. This year’s expo will have a special emphasis on the global significance with participation from across the globe as exhibitors and visitors.
Speaking at the inaugural session of the expo, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said that India is today the largest manufacturer of three-wheelers and tractors.
"India is the biggest market for two-wheelers globally," he said.
Union Minister of Heavy Industries HD Kumaraswamy noted that India's automobile industry is one of the most vital contributors to the economy.
"Currently, ranked as the third largest automobile market globally it generates approximately 7% of the national GDP (gross domestic product) and employs over 3.7 crore people," Kumaraswamy stated.
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