India’s steel sector is targeting a production capacity of 300 million tonnes (MT) by 2030 and 400 million tonnes by 2035, as part of its long-term strategy to position the country as a global steel manufacturing leader, a senior government official said on Tuesday.
Sandeep Poundrik, Secretary in the Ministry of Steel, highlighted the sector’s ambitious expansion roadmap during a high-level interactive session with senior diplomats from across the globe. The engagement aimed at advancing strategic international collaborations and strengthening global partnerships in the steel sector.
The Ministry also presented a preview of Bharat Steel 2026, an international conference-cum-exhibition scheduled to be held on April 16–17, 2026, at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. Diplomats were invited to share suggestions and contribute to shaping the roadmap for the event.
Poundrik emphasised the rapid modernisation of India’s steel industry and invited global partners to collaborate as the domestic sector transitions towards low-carbon production pathways and advanced processing technologies. He reiterated India’s commitment to building resilient and sustainable global supply chains rooted in innovation, efficiency and environmental responsibility.
India’s steel strategy focuses on strengthening raw material security, accelerating technology transfer, advancing green and sustainable steel production, and fostering meaningful global cooperation. The government sees decarbonisation and recycling as key pillars in this transition.
Industry data suggests that one tonne of recycled steel can save approximately 1.1 tonnes of iron ore and 630 kg of coking coal, while reducing emissions by around 28 per cent. Experts view scrap-based steel production as a practical short-term decarbonisation solution, particularly as India’s carbon intensity currently stands at about 2.55 tonnes of CO₂ per tonne of steel.
Steel demand in India is projected to remain steady at around 8 per cent growth in FY26, generating incremental demand of 11–12 million tonnes per annum. The sustained growth outlook, combined with infrastructure expansion and manufacturing momentum, is expected to drive capacity enhancement across the sector.
The government’s outreach to the diplomatic community signals India’s intent to deepen international cooperation while pursuing its ambition of becoming a major global hub for sustainable steel production.
