Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the green mobility initiatives in Hansalpur, Gujarat. Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister noted that amid the festive spirit of Ganeshotsav, a new chapter is being added to India’s ‘Make in India’ journey. He remarked that this marks a significant leap towards the shared goal of “Make in India, Make for the World.” The electric vehicles manufactured in India will be exported to 100 countries. He further announced the commencement of Hybrid Battery Electrode manufacturing in the country. Emphasising that also brings a new dimension to the friendship between India and Japan, the Prime Minister extended his heartfelt congratulations to all citizens of India, to Japan, and to Suzuki Motor Corporation.
In a major example of the success of Make in India, Prime Minister inaugurated and flagged off the “e VITARA”, Suzuki’s first global strategic Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV). The Made-in-India BEVs will be exported to more than one hundred countries, including advanced markets such as Europe and Japan. With this milestone, India will now serve as Suzuki’s global manufacturing hub for electric vehicles.
Prime Minister also inaugurated the next phase of India’s battery ecosystem with the start of local production of hybrid battery electrodes at TDS Lithium-Ion Battery plant in Gujarat. The plant, a joint venture of Toshiba, Denso and Suzuki, will boost domestic manufacturing and clean energy innovation. This development ensures that more than eighty percent of the battery value will now be manufactured within India.
Expressing his heartfelt remembrance of the late Mr. Osamu Suzuki, the Prime Minister stated that the Government of India had the honour of conferring the Padma Vibhushan upon him. He remarked that he is pleased to witness the vast expansion of the vision Mr. Osamu Suzuki had envisioned for Maruti Suzuki India.
The Prime Minister remarked that this reflects not only the strength of India-Japan relations but also the growing trust of global companies in India. He stated that companies like Maruti Suzuki have effectively become brand ambassadors of Make in India. Noting that for four consecutive years, Maruti Suzuki has been India’s largest car exporter, the Prime Minister announced that from today, EV exports will also begin on the same scale. He affirmed that in dozens of countries around the world, the EVs that will run will proudly bear the label—Made in India.
Underlining that the most critical component of the EV ecosystem is the battery, the Prime Minister said that until a few years ago, batteries in India were entirely imported. He added that to strengthen EV manufacturing, it was essential for India to begin domestic battery production. Shri Modi recalled that in 2017, the foundation of the TDSG battery plant was laid with this vision. He announced that under a new initiative by TDSG, three Japanese companies will jointly manufacture battery cells in India for the first time. He added that battery cell electrodes will also be produced locally within India.
The Prime Minister emphasized that this localization will empower India’s self-reliance. He remarked that this will accelerate the growth of the hybrid electric vehicle sector. He extended his best wishes for this historic beginning.
