India's automobile industry leaders stated that the sector needs to move beyond local assembly to build domestic capabilities across the entire value chain, from raw materials to final systems, to reduce supply-chain risks and strengthen global competitiveness. ^[1] At ACMA's annual session, Hyundai Motor India MD & CEO Tarun Garg said India exported about $24 billion worth of auto components in 2025-26 but imported around $25.4 billion, resulting in a $1.4-billion trade deficit. ^[2] Shailesh Chandra stated that retaining a larger share of value creation within India is critical as future vehicles will rely heavily on electronics, semiconductors, sensors, power electronics, batteries, motors, software, connectivity, and advanced materials. ^[3] Shailesh Chandra, Managing Director of Tata Motors, said that India's localisation push should focus on establishing the country as a major global automotive manufacturing and mobility hub rather than just import substitution. ^[4] Tarun Garg stated that India must design, develop, and manufacture next-generation technologies domestically, including semiconductor chips, electric-vehicle battery cells, and power electronics. ^[5] Garg called for building domestic capability in semiconductor chips, rare-earth magnets, power electronics and battery cells, and for stepping up investments in R&D and intellectual property to achieve technology ownership. ^[6] Garg said India's auto component exports remain concentrated in relatively mature technologies while imports are led by advanced, higher-value technologies that may define the future. ^[7] Maruti Suzuki India MD & CEO Hisashi Takeuchi identified deep localisation as critical to insulating the industry from global disruptions, saying it reduces exposure to external disruptions by strengthening domestic capabilities and owning a larger share of the value chain. ^[8]