Dr Rajeev Singh, Director General, Indian Chamber of Commerce, voices his thoughts about the Indian stainless steel sector, ahead of the Global Stainless Steel Expo 2025 (GSSE).
India’s journey to becoming a global industrial powerhouse is intrinsically linked to the growth and innovation within its stainless steel sector. At the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC), we believe stainless steel is not just a material—it’s a strategic enabler of sustainable infrastructure, resilient supply chains and advanced manufacturing. From transportation and energy to construction and food processing, stainless steel underpins critical sectors, reinforcing India’s industrial backbone.
As global supply chains undergo realignment, Indian stainless steel exporters are uniquely positioned to capture emerging opportunities. The combination of competitive manufacturing, a young workforce and a push for quality standards is making India an attractive alternative in global markets. To harness this momentum, ICC advocates for forward-looking trade policies, harmonised standards and enhanced export incentives.
However, unlocking the full potential of this sector requires a dynamic policy environment. Reforms supporting raw material availability, technology adoption and decarbonisation are vital. We urge policymakers to introduce schemes that encourage value addition and research-led innovation in stainless steel applications.
Joining hands, joining forces
Public-private collaboration is another cornerstone. ICC is actively engaging industry leaders, academia and government bodies to foster innovation ecosystems and attract investments for the growth of the Indian economy. These collaborations are crucial for building future-ready capabilities, especially in high-performance and green-grade steels.
Bilateral trade agreements also offer a vital lever. ICC recommends leveraging India’s trade negotiations to ensure favourable access to strategic markets, reduce non-tariff barriers, and strengthen global competitiveness of the sector.The Global Stainless Steel Expo (GSSE) exemplifies this vision. ICC finds GSSE as a strategic platform for global engagement, knowledge exchange and investment mobilisation. It is a catalyst that reflects India’s rising stature in global trade and industrial leadership—a mission ICC remains committed to advancing.
