Union Steel Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy has urged the steel industry to accelerate the adoption of advanced digital technologies to improve productivity, efficiency, and global competitiveness. Speaking at the Chintan Shivir 2026 on Digitalisation in the Steel Sector, he highlighted artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, Industrial IoT, digital twins, robotics, and advanced data analytics as critical technologies shaping the future of steel manufacturing.
The government aims to expand India’s steelmaking capacity to 300 million tonnes by 2030 and 400 million tonnes by 2035. Kumaraswamy stressed that achieving these ambitious targets will require greater focus on digitalisation, operational efficiency, decarbonisation, predictive maintenance, and modernization. He noted that technology-driven manufacturing can reduce downtime, improve workplace safety, optimize energy use, and lower production costs.
For the Indian steel market, the minister’s vision reinforces the importance of Industry 4.0 technologies in strengthening domestic manufacturing and enhancing supply chain resilience. The initiative is also expected to support steel export news, as higher productivity and smarter manufacturing processes can help Indian steel producers meet international quality standards and improve their competitiveness in global markets. As India continues investing in infrastructure and industrial growth, digital transformation is expected to play a central role in shaping the sector's long-term success.
