Thu Apr 24 11:47:35 UTC 2025: **Modi Calls for Steel-Strong India, Increased Production, and Global Partnerships**

**Mumbai, April 24, 2025** – Prime Minister Narendra Modi today urged India’s steel industry to collaborate in building a “resilient, revolutionary, and steel-strong” nation. Addressing the 6th edition of the India Steel program, Modi emphasized the need to significantly increase steel production to meet ambitious infrastructure goals and bolster exports.

The Prime Minister highlighted the sector’s importance as a “sunrise sector,” crucial for India’s development. He called for increased domestic production of iron ore from underutilized greenfield mines to reduce reliance on imports, particularly of nickel, coking coal, and manganese. Modi stressed the importance of forging stronger global partnerships to secure raw material supply chains. He also advocated for exploring alternative fuel sources like coal gasification to decrease coal imports.

India aims to boost its steel production capacity to 300 million tonnes by 2030, up from 179 million tonnes in FY24, and increase per capita steel consumption to 160 kg from the current 98 kg. This ambitious target aligns with the ongoing $1.3 trillion national infrastructure pipeline and large-scale smart city development projects. The increased demand will drive the need for high-grade steel, Modi noted, referencing the domestically produced steel used in projects like the Vikrant aircraft carrier and Chandrayaan mission.

Looking towards the future, Modi set a goal of zero steel imports and net exports by 2047, aiming to increase exports to 500 million tonnes from the current 25 million tonnes. He emphasized that India is not only focused on domestic growth but also aspires to global leadership in the steel sector, positioning the nation as a trusted supplier of high-grade steel. Government policies, including prioritizing locally sourced steel in infrastructure contracts, are designed to enhance the sector’s global competitiveness.

Modi concluded his address by encouraging both public and private sectors to embrace innovation, technological upgrades, and research and development, focusing on energy efficiency, reduced emissions, and digital advancements. He underscored the steel sector’s crucial role in job creation for India’s youth.

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