[Ferro-Alloys.com] The India Steel Conclave 2025 organised by ASSOCHAM under the theme “Enhancing Steel Demand to 500 MT for Viksit Bharat”  brought together prominent industry leaders, policymakers, and experts to chart a transformative roadmap for India’s steel sector in alignment with the national vision of becoming a developed nation.

Chief Guest Mr. Ashwini Kumar, Economic Adviser, Ministry of Steel, called for bold reforms to secure India’s steel future. He urged 8% annual GDP growth to achieve Viksit Bharat, protect domestic market share, and sharpen India’s global competitiveness. Highlighting challenges such as currency manipulation, high logistics costs, and rising imports, he emphasised the need for energy-efficient practices, raw material security, and greater investment in green hydrogen and carbon capture technologies.  He advocated for building domestic steel capacity.

He emphasized on Steel Manufacturing through R&D Innovation, Last-Mile Connectivity & New Technologies. There is a need for Sustainable Raw Material Supply for the Indian Steel Sector. He focused on Enhancing Export Competitiveness and Promoting Specialty Steel Production.

Mr. Ranjan Dhar, AVP & Vice President, Sales & Marketing, ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India, delivered a strategic address, highlighting the foundational role of steel in India’s economic engine. “Steel is not merely a commodity; it is the fundamental engine propelling India’s industrial transformation, fueling its strategic sectors, and forging the destiny of ‘Viksit Bharat’,” he stated. Mr. Dhar called for alignment between capacity expansion and domestic demand, reinforcing the sector’s target of reaching 270–300 MT by 2030. He also addressed trade imbalances, advocating for reduced import dependency, increased global competitiveness, and investments in green technology, digitalisation, and advanced materials.

Ms. Swati Agrawal, CEO (Advisory, Research & Training), CareEdge, focused on India’s decarbonisation agenda. She underlined the importance of transitioning to green steel, cost efficiency, and ESG certification, especially under the evolving CBAM (Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism) regime. “Steel is no longer just an industrial commodity but a major contributor to ‘Viksit Bharat’,” she noted.

Mr. Sanjay Kumar Singh, Director – External Affairs, Jindal Steel & former Steel Secretary, expressed optimism on India’s steel growth trajectory. He echoed the Prime Minister’s vision for a 500 MT demand target, and emphasized the role of initiatives like CCTS (Coal to Clean Steel) in driving sectoral growth.

A joint knowledge report by ASSOCHAM and CareEdge was unveiled at the Steel Conclave among eminent dignitaries.

• [Editor:tianyawei]