The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) hosted the 11th Auto Trade Dialogue at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025, held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. With the theme “Changing Paradigm of Global Trade Practices in the Auto Sector,” the event gathered prominent government officials, industry leaders, policymakers, and academics to explore the evolving trends, challenges, and opportunities in the global automotive trade.
The event opened with a dynamic session featuring insightful speeches from H.E. Kenneth F. H. da Nóbrega, Ambassador of Brazil to India; Mr. Cedrick Crowley, Deputy High Commissioner of South Africa; Dr. Sven Halldorn, Director General, Federal Ministry of Digital & Transport, Germany; Mr. Rahul Bharti, Chairman of SIAM’s International Relations & Trade Policy Group and Executive Director of Maruti Suzuki India; and Mr. Sachin Arolkar, Co-Chair of SIAM’s International Relations & Trade Policy Group and Head of International Operations at Mahindra & Mahindra.
The dialogue featured three sessions where prominent speakers shared their insights on the event’s central theme, focusing on key issues influencing the automotive industry. These sessions explored pivotal topics shaping the sector’s future.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Rahul Bharti, Chairman of SIAM’s International Relations & Trade Policy Group and Executive Director of Maruti Suzuki India, stated, “The global auto industry is at a crucial juncture in the clean energy transition. Addressing the critical aspects of energy, economics, and the environment requires a thorough and honest assessment of the challenges. Ongoing dialogue is vital to navigating these shifts, balancing differing perspectives, and finding shared solutions to common challenges.”
H.E. Kenneth F. H. da Nóbrega, Ambassador of Brazil to India, said, “Brazil’s recent tax reforms have streamlined value chains, making our market even more attractive. The potential for integrating production chains between Brazil and India is immense. This is a prime moment to deepen investments and leverage the mutual expertise developed over decades for a just and sustainable transition.”
The session titled “Integrating Investments in Trade Agreements”, was moderated by Mr Bhagwan Bindiganavile, Co-Chair, SIAM International Relations & Trade Policy Group, Executive Vice President, VE Commercial Vehicles. It also featured a panel discussion, with insightful perspectives from Mr Mike Hawes, Chief Executive, The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders Limited (SMMT), Ms Angela Mans, Head of Foreign Trade and International Relations, German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA), Mr Jonathan Oriordan, Trade Director, European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) who joined virtually, Dr Pritam Banerjee, Head, Centre for WTO Studies, and Mr Feroz Khan, Head – Global Regulations Technical & Homologation, Hero MotoCorp.
Mr Bhagwan Bindiganavile, Co-Chair, SIAM International Relations & Trade Policy Group, Executive Vice President, VE Commercial Vehicles said,” The changing paradigm of global trade practices in Auto Sector is influenced by technology, demographic and geo-political shifts. This will also impact the evolving discussion on integrating Investments in Trade Agreements. We look forward to friendly and collegial dialogue to take the ideas from the panel forward.”
Mr Mike Hawes, Chief Executive, The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders Limited (SMMT) said,” The UK has seen a remarkable 50% increase in EV sales in 2024 which indicates growth potential when trade and technology align. By embedding innovation and collaboration into trade policies, we can unlock new opportunities for shared progress.”
The session titled “Localization Policies and Their Impact on Trade”, was moderated by Mr Yash Pal Sachar, Co-Chair, SIAM Exports Group, and Vice President, Ashok Leyland The session featured eminent dignitaries expressing their thoughts, including Mr Charaka Perera, Immediate Past Chairman, Ceylon Motor Traders Association (CMTA), Mr Hamendra Singh, Vertical Head – Export Sales, Hyundai Motor India, and Mr Madhu Singh, Vice President – Electric Mobility, TVS Motor Company who joined virtually. This session addressed the strategic implications of localisation.
Mr Santosh Kumar Sarangi, Additional Secretary & Director General, Directorate General of Foreign Trade, Ministry of Commerce & Industry said,” We aim to collaborate with the industry to ensure schemes are implemented efficiently and with a greater degree of automation. I strongly believe that India’s auto industry is well on its way to producing automobiles of the highest standards at competitive rates.”
During the session, two key presentations, including an overview of Sri Lanka’s policies for vehicle manufacturing by Mr. Charaka Perera, Immediate Past Chairman, CMTA, and Nepal’s auto policies by Mr. Karan Chaudhary, President, NADA Automobile Association of Nepal, provided important insights into global localization practices.
Mr Karan Chaudhary, President, NADA Automobile Association of Nepal, said, “Nepal boasts an EV penetration of around 70% and we are exploring innovative ways to repurpose EV batteries for their second life by integrating them into the energy grid. Governments are actively considering public-private partnerships to integrate advanced technologies into manufacturing processes and drive sustainable development.”
The session titled “Developing Resilience in the Evolving Global Trade Scenario”, was moderated by Sumanta Chaudhari, Principal Advisor, International Trade Policy Division, Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). The session featured industry experts, including Mr Shinichiro Oka, Vice President & Director General, General Policy Affairs Division, Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association, Mr Vinod Pandey, Director, BMW India, and Ankush Arora, CEO, Mansour Automotive Company, Egypt Automotive. They shared their insights on navigating the changing global trade environment.
Mr Shinichiro Oka, Vice President & Director General, General Policy Affairs Division, Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association said,” The focus is on redefining global trade practices in the automotive sector. Tariff reductions have significantly strengthened supply chains. Tackling CO2 emissions requires a collaborative approach among stakeholders”.
The day concluded with the closing remarks from Mr Asif Shamim, Co-Chair, SIAM Exports Group. This year’s event highlighted the critical role of collaboration in driving sustainable growth in the automotive sector. Delegates from across the globe emphasized the importance of policy alignment, innovation, and resilience in adapting to evolving trade practices.
