‘My dream is to make India’s automotive industry the world’s No. 1’: Nitin Gadkari at HT Auto Awards

Speaking at the HT Auto Awards, Union transport minister Nitin Gadkari said that India's automotive sector contributes over ₹22.75 lakh crore to the economy Union minister Nitin Gadkari said on Wednesday India’s automotive industry has the potential to become the largest in the world, calling it a growth engine.Nitin Gadkari speaks at the HT Auto Leaderboard Awards 2026.“This industry is the backbone of the economy. My dream is to make this industry number one in the world....[At present] Number one is the US, and second is China. India is the third,” Gadkari said.He said India's automotive sector contributes over ₹22.75 lakh crore to the economy, underscoring its importance to the country's economic growth and industrial ecosystem.He made the remarks at the inaugural HT Auto Leaderboard Awards 2026 that sought to recognise the vehicles, people and innovations shaping India's automotive industry.The awards also featured two panel discussions on ‘Make for the World: Is India ready to become the world's auto powerhouse?’ and ‘Road to 2030: Ethanol, EVs & beyond - India's new mobility energy mix’.Gadkari on successful ethanol economyGadkari also highlighted India's progress in developing an ethanol-based economy, saying, “Ethanol economy is successful.”The push for biofuels has become more critical amid the West Asia crisis, which has disrupted supplies and pushed crude oil prices higher.Also Read | Barrier-free toll plaza system expected to be operational by March 2027: Nitin GadkariIndia’s road to becoming an auto powerhouseThe discussions at the HT Auto Leaderboard Awards also focused on India's ambitions to strengthen its position as a global automotive manufacturing and export hub.The ‘Make for the World’ panel examined whether India is ready to become a global auto powerhouse, with discussions around manufacturing, exports, technology and innovation.The ‘Road to 2030’ panel focused on the changing mobility energy mix and the role of ethanol, electric vehicles and other emerging technologies in India's transportation sector.Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read MoreNitin GadkariAutoGet the latest India News, breaking headlines, and real-time updates from across the nation. Stay informed on politics, government policies, crime, weather, and major national developments.