India poised to be global auto supply chain hub, says Maruti Suzuki’s Takeuchi

Mumbai: India has a once-in-a-generation opportunity to emerge as the world’s trusted and resilient manufacturing hub amid ongoing geopolitical disruptions, Maruti Suzuki India MD & CEO Hisashi Takeuchi said on Friday.

Speaking at the Automotive Component Manufacturers Association (ACMA) annual session, Takeuchi highlighted how events like the pandemic, the Russia-Ukraine war, trade tensions, and even the Suez Canal blockage have underlined the fragility of global supply chains. “What we often took for granted became critical. And yet, in this turbulence lies an extraordinary opportunity for India,” he said.

Takeuchi acknowledged near-term challenges, including steep US tariffs on Indian auto component exports. Nearly 30% of India’s component shipments head to the US, with half facing duties of 25% and the rest at 50%. He, however, expressed optimism that government-to-government dialogue would ease pressures. “Aapda mein Avsar—finding opportunity in adversity—this is our moment,” he said, quoting Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Placing India in historical context, he pointed out how successive regions had risen as global economic leaders—from America’s industrial boom in the early 20th century, to Europe’s post-war rebuilding, the rise of Japan and the Asian Tigers, and China’s three-decade run as the world’s factory. “The next many decades belong to India,” he said, underlining the country’s large working-age population, $4-trillion economy, government support through schemes like PLI and Make in India, and its inherent spirit of resilience and innovation.

The auto sector, he said, is central to this transformation. India is already the world’s third-largest automobile market, with component exports crossing $23 billion in FY25 and expected to more than double by 2030. He pointed to Suzuki Motor Corporation’s decision to make India the hub for its first global EV, the eVitara, which will be exported to over 100 countries. Localisation efforts are also deepening, with domestic production of hybrid battery electrodes now underway.

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Drawing parallels with Japan’s post-war resurgence, Takeuchi stressed the importance of strategic intent, continuous R&D investment, kaizen, and resource efficiency. He urged Indian suppliers to climb the value chain—from processors to global module leaders—and treat employees as partners in growth.“If we combine strategic intent with India’s unique advantages of demand, talent, and policy support, the possibilities are limitless,” Takeuchi said. “India will not just be Atmanirbhar, but a trusted partner in the global automotive supply chain.”
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