Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated a new factory in Hansalpur that will produce the Maruti Suzuki e-Vitara, a key electric vehicle (EV) in India’s automotive landscape. This facility is not just about the e-Vitara; it will also manufacture hybrid models such as the Grand Vitara and Invicto and produce batteries for hybrids, marking a significant evolution in India’s production capabilities.
Maruti Suzuki, a major player in the Indian automotive sector and a subsidiary of Japan’s Suzuki, is strategically expanding its operations. The new battery plant is a collaboration involving Suzuki, Toshiba, and Denso, a global auto-parts giant. This partnership underscores a commitment to innovation in electric and hybrid vehicles. Modi characterized the factory’s opening as the dawn of a “new chapter” in his “Make in India” initiative, designed to bolster domestic manufacturing through partnerships and joint ventures.
During the launch, Modi expressed a strong belief in India’s potential to compete with countries like China, currently a leader in the EV market. With over 60 percent of global EV production and a staggering 75 percent of EV batteries produced by China, the challenge is significant. Yet, Modi asserted, “The world will drive EVs that say: ‘Made in India!'” This statement reflects an ambitious vision for India’s export capability and industrial growth.
Furthermore, he emphasized the importance of local battery production, pointing out India’s previous reliance on imports. “India has the power of democracy, the advantage of demography, and a very large pool of skilled workforce, making it a win-win situation for every partner,” Modi stated. This highlights a commitment not only to self-sufficiency but also to national security. By minimizing reliance on foreign suppliers, India aims to stabilize its supply chains—a crucial factor in today’s global economy.
Modi’s vision does not end with electric and hybrid vehicles. He pointed out that the semiconductor industry is next in line for the “Make in India” initiative. He indicated plans for six new semiconductor plants to be established in the country, which signals a strategic effort to strengthen India’s position in a critical sector that underpins modern technology.
The Prime Minister also spoke highly of India’s relationship with Japan, stating, “Japan will be our trusted partner to achieve our 2047 goals.” This mutual cooperation aims to foster economic ties and innovation. His remarks about “Swadeshi,” or self-reliance, resonated strongly, encouraging the audience to embrace products made in India, regardless of the origins of the investment. The essence of “Swadeshi” reinforces a notion of national pride in domestic manufacturing and engineering.
Although the strides being made are notable, there are challenges ahead. India, along with Japan, has a significant journey to embark on before it can catch up with China’s immense EV infrastructure and production scale. As of early 2025, China accounted for over 200 brands of electric vehicles and saw its largest automaker, BYD, register an impressive 2.4 million new cars last year. In comparison, the most successful U.S. brand, Tesla, recorded 1.8 million.
In conclusion, the inauguration of the Maruti Suzuki factory is a strategic step for India, marking its commitment to enhancing its automotive industry and paving the way for future innovations. With a focus on self-reliance and strategic global partnerships, Modi’s vision serves as a blueprint for a more robust national manufacturing framework. The road ahead is ambitious, underscoring the importance of building capabilities that can stand the test of global competition.
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