As India continues to push toward rapid industrialisation and infrastructure expansion, stainless steel has emerged as a cornerstone of the nation’s growth story. Playing a key role in this ecosystem are metals like nickel, aluminium, and copper. These metals play a crucial role in producing stainless steel and driving industries that support national development. India’s growing focus on quality manufacturing, global trade connections, and sustainable practices is helping it emerge as a trusted and reliable name in the international market.

Team Stainless Today spoke with Akshay Patwa at the Global Stainless Steel Expo 2025 (GSSE 2025). As a  Senior Manager of Aditya Birla Global Trading, the commodity trading arm of the Aditya Birla Group, he overseas global trade in nickel, aluminium, and copper. In this exclusive interview, he dwells on India’s growing role in the global metals market, the significance of GSSE, and the promising future of the stainless steel industry.

How do you see stainless steel contributing to nation building, particularly in India?

Stainless Steel, as you know, plays a very important part in nation building. India, as a growing country, especially with our 7.5% GDP growth rate, needs a lot of steel. The product which I sell and trade, Nickel, is a key material for manufacturing stainless steel. As we are a growing nation, we require significant infrastructure development, and steel is a primary component in that.

I am very delighted to be part of GSSE, where I am connecting with many existing customers and exploring new ones. Since I am from the trading arm, we are also exploring how we can take qualitative Indian products to the globe with our strong presence in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and America. Our task is to bridge the gap between supply and demand, bringing Indian products to the world and sourcing materials globally to add value to India.

As a young nation, with most of our workforce in the 30 to 40 age group, we have a long way to go and tremendous potential ahead. I am confident that India will realise its vision of becoming a 10 trillion-dollar economy by 2030, with steel and other key materials playing a crucial role in driving this entire value chain and ecosystem.

What is your impression of the companies participating at the expo?

There are very good companies here making high-quality products. The fact that these products are widely accepted in qualitative and sensitive markets like Europe and the US proves that Indian companies produce excellent material with high customer satisfaction. Many technology companies, refractory companies, and IP players are also present, which adds further value to the ecosystem.

How do you view the ‘Make in India’ initiative?

I travel globally and have been to almost 37 countries. In every single country, the comparison is always between a Made in China product and a Made in India product. The reliability of Indian products and the skills of Indian craftsmen are exceptional. Out of the two options, customers often prefer Indian products because they are tried and tested over many years. Confidence in Indian products is absolutely there.

How would you describe GSSE as a suitable platform for the stainless steel industry?

Yes, it is a very good place. There are numerous companies you can connect with. I would describe it as a carnival where many companies, including foreign buyers interested in Indian products, can find a one-stop solution without having to travel across multiple cities in India. Everything can be fulfilled at one place.

If you could describe GSSE in one word, what would it be?

GSSE, I would say, is taking India to the world and the world to India.

What role do you see stainless steel playing in the future of global industry?

China’s annual production is around 700 million tons. India’s production is far less, which means we have a lot of scope to grow. With a 7.5% GDP growth rate and government support for infrastructure, stainless steel demand will continue to grow and will far outweigh the GDP growth.

India’s rapid progress in industrialisation, infrastructure, and manufacturing is creating an ecosystem where stainless steel and allied metals such as nickel are shaping the country’s future. With a skilled workforce, strong global connections, and a focus on quality, India is poised to become not only a manufacturing powerhouse but also a leader in sustainable industrial growth. The continued expansion of the stainless steel sector will play a defining role in realising India’s long-term economic ambitions and strengthening its position in the global market.