‘Made in India, Made for the World’: PM Modi on EV Exports to 100 Nations
On August 26, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi ushered in a new era for India’s automotive industry by flagging off Maruti Suzuki’s first Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV), the e-Vitara, from its Hansalpur plant in Gujarat. This landmark event marked the beginning of India’s ambitious plan to export electric vehicles (EVs) to over 100 countries, including advanced markets like Europe and Japan. Coupled with the inauguration of a hybrid battery electrode production facility, this milestone underscores India’s rise as a global hub for green mobility and self-reliant manufacturing. In his address, PM Modi encapsulated the moment with the powerful slogan, “Made in India, Made for the World,” emphasizing India’s growing influence in the global EV market. This blog explores the significance of this initiative, the features of the e-Vitara, and its implications for India’s economy and clean energy ambitions.
A Historic Leap for India’s EV Industry
The launch of the e-Vitara at Maruti Suzuki’s Hansalpur plant in Ahmedabad is a pivotal moment for India’s Make in India initiative, launched in 2014 to boost domestic manufacturing and global competitiveness. PM Modi highlighted that the export of made-in-India EVs to over 100 nations is a “new success story” for the Indian automotive industry, which has seen exports grow from ₹50,000 crore annually in 2014 to ₹1.2 lakh crore in 2025. The e-Vitara, Maruti Suzuki’s debut EV, is set to position India as Suzuki’s global manufacturing hub for electric vehicles, a testament to the country’s advancements in clean technology and innovation.
Modi’s vision extends beyond EVs to a broader transformation of India’s manufacturing landscape. He noted that India now exports not only cars and two-wheelers but also metro coaches, rail coaches, and locomotives, reflecting a shift toward high-tech, sustainable industries. The event also coincided with the inauguration of a TDS Lithium-Ion Battery plant, a joint venture by Suzuki, Toshiba, and Denso, which will produce hybrid battery electrodes, ensuring over 80% of battery value is manufactured in India. This reduces reliance on imports and strengthens India’s EV ecosystem.
The e-Vitara: A Game-Changer for Global Markets
First showcased at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025 in New Delhi, the e-Vitara is a mid-sized electric SUV designed to compete with global players like Hyundai’s Creta EV and Mahindra’s XEV 9e. Its advanced features and versatile configurations make it a strong contender in both domestic and international markets:
- Powertrain Options: The e-Vitara offers two lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) battery variants—49 kWh and 61 kWh—available in front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations, catering to diverse market needs.
- Design and Features: The SUV boasts sharp LED headlamps, 18/19-inch alloy wheels, a fully digital instrument cluster, touchscreen infotainment, a powered driver seat, wireless charger, JBL premium audio, a 360-degree camera, panoramic sunroof, and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS).
- Market Reach: With production at Maruti Suzuki’s Hansalpur plant, which contributes to the company’s 2.6 million annual vehicle capacity, the e-Vitara will be exported to over 100 countries, including Japan, Europe, and other advanced markets. In FY25, Maruti Suzuki exported 3.32 lakh vehicles and sold 19.01 lakh units domestically, underscoring its global reach.
The e-Vitara is expected to accelerate EV adoption in India, where electric passenger vehicle sales reached 4% in May 2025, up from 2.6% in May 2024, according to the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA). Its competitive pricing and advanced features also position it to capture significant market share globally.
Strengthening India-Japan Ties
PM Modi described the launch as a “tribute to India-Japan friendship,” recalling his decision as Gujarat Chief Minister in 2012 to allot land to Maruti Suzuki in Hansalpur. This collaboration has grown into a cornerstone of India’s automotive industry, with Suzuki investing over ₹1 lakh crore in India, creating 11 lakh direct jobs in the value chain. The company plans to invest an additional ₹70,000 crore over the next five to six years to boost production, launch new models, and defend its market share in the world’s third-largest car market.
The TDS Lithium-Ion Battery plant, inaugurated alongside the e-Vitara, further deepens this partnership. By localizing battery production, it reduces India’s dependence on imported components, aligning with the government’s goal of self-reliance in clean energy technologies. Modi emphasized that “swadeshi” (self-reliance) is a way of life, defining it as “money invested by anybody, but work done by Indians,” a nod to the economic empowerment of India’s skilled workforce.
Economic and Environmental Impact
The e-Vitara launch and EV export drive have far-reaching implications for India’s economy and environmental goals:
- Economic Growth: The export initiative is expected to boost India’s GDP, create jobs, and enhance its global trade profile. The Union Budget 2025-26 supports this with tax exemptions for exporters, export promotion missions, and incentives for EV manufacturing and component exports to advanced markets. Modi’s vision of India as the world’s third-largest economy by 2047 hinges on such initiatives, with the automotive sector playing a pivotal role.
- Green Mobility: By exporting EVs to 100 nations, India is positioning itself as a leader in sustainable transportation. The local production of battery electrodes reduces carbon footprints and import costs, aligning with India’s commitment to net-zero emissions by 2070.
- Global Competitiveness: Indian automakers, supported by policy reforms and R&D investments, are capturing market share in Asia, Africa, and Europe. The e-Vitara’s export to advanced markets like Japan and Europe highlights India’s ability to produce cost-competitive, high-quality EVs.
Modi’s remarks at the ET World Leaders Forum 2025 underscored this momentum, noting that India’s strong economic fundamentals are driving growth across sectors. He invited states to compete in reforms and governance to attract investors, creating a “win-win situation” for global partners.
Challenges Amid Global Trade Tensions
The timing of the EV export launch coincides with challenges posed by US President Donald Trump’s 50% tariffs on Indian goods, imposed over India’s Russian oil purchases. These tariffs threaten 55% of India’s $87 billion exports to the US, including auto components, potentially impacting the EV sector. However, India’s relatively low trade exposure to the US (2% of GDP) and efforts to diversify markets through free trade agreements with Europe and Asia provide a buffer. Modi’s call for “swadeshi” products and domestic consumption aims to mitigate external pressures, ensuring the EV initiative’s success.
A New Era for India’s Automotive Industry
The launch of the e-Vitara and the TDS Lithium-Ion Battery plant marks a turning point for India’s automotive and clean technology sectors. As PM Modi stated, “India is not going to stop here. In the sectors where we have performed well, we aim to do even better.” The export of made-in-India EVs to 100 nations is a bold step toward establishing India as a global leader in sustainable mobility. With robust policy support, strategic investments, and a skilled workforce, India is poised to drive the world’s transition to greener transportation while bolstering its economic and geopolitical standing.
The slogan “Made in India, Made for the World” encapsulates this ambition, reflecting India’s journey from a domestic manufacturer to a global powerhouse. As the e-Vitara rolls out to international markets, it carries the pride of Indian innovation and the promise of a sustainable future.
Sources:
- The Economic Times, August 26, 2025
- Times of India, August 26, 2025
- News18, August 26, 2025
- India TV, August 26, 2025
- Outlook Business, August 26, 2025
- Connected to India, August 26, 2025
- TechStory, August 24, 2025
- Times Now, August 26, 2025
- Hindustan Times, August 26, 2025
- Posts on X, August 26, 2025
