Prime Minister Narendra Modi today inaugurated and flagged off Suzuki’s first Made-in-India global battery electric vehicle (BEV), the “e-VITARA”, at Hansalpur, Gujarat. The launch marks a major milestone in India’s clean mobility journey, with the EV set to be exported to 100 countries starting immediately.
The Prime Minister also announced the commencement of hybrid battery electrode manufacturing in India, describing the initiatives as “a new chapter in the Make in India journey.” He emphasised that the world will soon be driving EVs proudly labelled Made in India, and highlighted India’s “power of democracy, advantage of demography, and skilled workforce” as core strengths.
Strengthening India-Japan Ties
Modi noted that the partnership with Suzuki reflects deepening India-Japan relations. He recalled that land for Maruti Suzuki’s Hansalpur facility was allocated in 2012 during his tenure as Gujarat Chief Minister, with a vision of self-reliance. Paying tribute to the late Osamu Suzuki, he said Maruti Suzuki continues to be a “brand ambassador of Make in India.”
Japan’s Ambassador to India, H.E. Ono Keiichi, and senior officials from Suzuki Motor Corporation attended the event. Modi will visit Japan next week, underscoring the bilateral partnership that began with Maruti Suzuki and has expanded into sectors including semiconductors and critical minerals.
EV Ecosystem and Battery Manufacturing
Highlighting the role of batteries in the EV ecosystem, Modi announced that three Japanese firms will jointly manufacture battery cells in India for the first time, under a new TDSG initiative. Local production of battery cell electrodes will also begin, reducing reliance on imports and boosting hybrid EV growth.
He also praised Maruti Suzuki for developing a hybrid ambulance prototype within six months of his proposal last year. These vehicles will support the ₹11,000 crore PM E-DRIVE scheme for e-ambulances.
Industrial Growth and Futuristic Sectors
The Prime Minister said that Make in India has created a favourable environment for global and domestic manufacturers, supported by initiatives such as industrial corridors, logistics parks, and the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme. He highlighted India’s rapid progress in electronics, defence, and mobile phone manufacturing over the past decade, while pointing to semiconductors and critical minerals as the next focus areas. Six semiconductor plants are currently planned across the country.
The launch of the National Critical Mineral Mission was also announced, with over 1,200 exploratory campaigns planned to secure key inputs for advanced manufacturing, including EVs.
Towards a Developed India 2047
Calling clean energy and clean mobility the “future of India,” Modi expressed confidence that today’s initiatives would strengthen India’s foundation for becoming a developed nation by 2047. He urged companies like Suzuki to also foster youth exchange programmes to deepen India-Japan cooperation in skills and human resources.
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendrabhai Patel, Suzuki officials, and dignitaries were present at the inauguration.
