India aims to produce 300 mln tons of steel by 2030 and position itself as a global export hub, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said at the India Steel 2025 event in Mumbai. To meet rising global demand, he emphasized the need to adopt new technologies, advanced steel grades, and larger production scales.
Currently the world’s second-largest steel producer, India is targeting a production capacity of 500 mln tons by 2047. Modi called for infrastructure projects to adopt a ‘Zero Import’ approach and become ‘Net Export’ models, maximizing the use of domestically produced steel.
He described steel as the silent backbone of major sectors, construction, highways, smart cities, and shipping, and a critical driver for India’s goal of a USD 5 trillion economy. India’s per capita steel consumption, now around 98 kg, is expected to reach 160 kg by 2030.
Modi said government-led infrastructure expansion is directly fueling steel demand, boosted further by the mandate to use ‘Made in India’ steel in public projects. He added that the reclassification of shipbuilding as infrastructure will further support the sector, alongside growing demand for pipeline-grade steel, corrosion-resistant alloys, and materials for the rail network.
He urged the industry to invest in AI, automation, recycling, and by-product utilization to enhance efficiency and sustainability. Transitioning to low-emission, energy-efficient technologies and improving logistics through multi-modal connectivity were also key priorities.
On raw materials, Modi acknowledged India’s reliance on imported nickel, coking coal, and manganese. He encouraged the use of alternatives like coal gasification and the DRI route to cut dependency. He also stressed the importance of operationalizing greenfield mines promptly, warning that delays could hinder future growth despite improved iron ore availability from mining reforms.