Stainless Steel Industry Calls for Dedicated National Policy to Position India as a Global Manufacturing Hub
India’s stainless steel industry has renewed its call for a dedicated National Stainless Steel Policy and the launch of a National Anti-Corrosion Mission, highlighting the urgent need to address the country’s massive economic losses caused by corrosion while unlocking the sector’s global manufacturing potential.
The appeal was made during the announcement of the strategic partnership between the Indian Stainless Steel Development Association (ISSDA) and the Global Stainless Steel Expo (GSSE), where industry leaders emphasized that targeted policy intervention could transform India into one of the world’s leading stainless steel manufacturing and consumption hubs.
Speaking on the occasion, Rajamani Krishnamurthi, President of ISSDA, said India possesses all the necessary ingredients—including manufacturing capabilities, technical expertise, and a rapidly growing industrial base—to emerge as a global stainless steel powerhouse. However, achieving this vision will require a dedicated national policy supported by long-term government initiatives.
He pointed out that India’s per capita stainless steel consumption currently stands at approximately 3.5 kg, significantly lower than the global average of 6–7 kg, indicating substantial room for market expansion across infrastructure, transportation, healthcare, food processing, water management, construction, and renewable energy sectors.
Krishnamurthi also highlighted the economic burden of corrosion, noting that it costs India nearly ₹12 lakh crore annually, equivalent to around 4% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). According to him, greater adoption of corrosion-resistant materials such as stainless steel, backed by a structured national framework, can substantially reduce these losses while improving the longevity and sustainability of public and private infrastructure.
Industry leaders believe that a National Anti-Corrosion Mission would encourage the use of durable, recyclable, and low-maintenance materials in critical sectors, helping reduce lifecycle costs and improve asset performance over the long term.
Echoing these views, Rajeev Garg, Group Head at Jindal Stainless Limited, stressed that the industry must present a unified voice at a time when it faces increasing challenges from rising imports and raw material volatility.
He described stainless steel as a material that offers long-term economic and environmental advantages due to its durability, recyclability, corrosion resistance, and lower maintenance requirements. According to Garg, these characteristics justify the need for a separate policy framework that recognizes stainless steel as a strategic material for India’s industrial and infrastructure development.
The industry believes that a dedicated policy would help strengthen domestic manufacturing, encourage investments in value-added products, improve global competitiveness, and reduce dependence on imports. Such measures could also stimulate innovation, technology adoption, skill development, and greater utilization of stainless steel across emerging sectors.
With India witnessing rapid urbanization, expanding infrastructure projects, and growing emphasis on sustainability, stakeholders argue that the time is right for a comprehensive policy roadmap dedicated exclusively to stainless steel. Industry experts believe that coordinated government support, coupled with wider adoption of corrosion-resistant materials, can significantly contribute to economic savings, infrastructure resilience, and India’s ambition of becoming a global leader in stainless steel production.
As demand for durable and sustainable materials continues to rise worldwide, the proposed National Stainless Steel Policy could serve as a catalyst for accelerating industry growth while reinforcing India’s position in the global stainless steel value chain.
