PM Modi Highlights India’s Emergence as a Global Steel Power Through Innovation and Policy Reforms

Source: PIB

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday drew attention to India’s ascent in the global steel industry, attributing the transformation to a strong policy framework and bold strides in innovation. Sharing an article posted by Union Minister for Steel H.D. Kumaraswamy on social media platform X, the Prime Minister underlined the indispensable role steel plays in shaping a stronger, self-reliant India.

“From infrastructure and defence to electric mobility and clean energy, steel is the backbone of a rising India,” PM Modi stated in his post, endorsing the Union Minister’s reflections on how policy interventions and innovation are propelling India to become a global steel leader.

The article, originally shared by Kumaraswamy, outlines how recent reforms, coupled with technology adoption and domestic capacity expansion, have repositioned India from being a traditional steel manufacturer to a forward-thinking global player. In the last few years, India’s steel sector has seen historic growth due to a combination of government incentives, sustainability mandates, digital transformation, and international collaborations.

India’s journey toward becoming a global steel leader is a testament to the power of visionary policy, scientific temper, and collective ambition. As the country accelerates its path toward a $5 trillion economy, steel will remain central not just to construction and infrastructure but to national security, energy independence, and job creation.

With leaders like PM Modi and Minister Kumaraswamy steering this transformative journey, the Indian steel sector is no longer just a legacy industry — it is becoming a symbol of 21st-century industrial leadership.

The Steel Backbone of Viksit Bharat

India’s steel industry plays a pivotal role in the country’s ambitious infrastructure and economic goals under the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision. From high-speed rail corridors and defence manufacturing to the growth of renewable energy infrastructure, steel remains a critical enabler.

In this context, the Prime Minister’s endorsement of the sector reflects his government’s broader narrative of Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India). The steel sector’s resurgence is not only about increased output but also about smart production, sustainability, and strategic autonomy.

India is currently the second-largest producer of crude steel globally, and with the government’s push for decarbonization and green hydrogen, the industry is poised to become more environmentally sustainable while increasing global competitiveness.

Innovation Meets Policy

At the heart of India’s steel surge lies a powerful mix of innovative technologies and progressive policy reforms. Digitalization of steel plants, adoption of AI and automation, and advances in metallurgy are being supported by programs like the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, which incentivizes efficiency and scale.

Union Minister Kumaraswamy’s article detailed how the sector is embracing change—from digitizing steel supply chains to encouraging R&D for lighter, stronger alloys critical to sectors like automotive, construction, and renewable energy.

Initiatives such as the National Steel Policy and a sharper focus on export promotion have opened up new avenues for growth, allowing Indian firms to compete globally on quality, sustainability, and cost. The Indian government is also working on easing logistics and creating steel clusters to boost regional development and employment.

A Message of Global Confidence

PM Modi’s public support for the steel industry sends a message of confidence to international investors, technology partners, and domestic producers. It signals that India is not only meeting domestic demand but is prepared to shape the future of global steel production with eco-friendly, innovation-led, and inclusive industrial practices.

The Prime Minister’s emphasis on policy synergy and technological advancement reflects a broader governance approach that views industrial sectors as strategic growth engines rather than isolated silos.