Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said India is preparing to export electric vehicles to as many as 100 countries, describing it as a ‘new success story’ for the sector. Speaking at the ET World Leaders Forum 2025, he linked the goal to India’s broader push in manufacturing and research, with a special program related to the initiative expected to be unveiled on 26 August.
This is the first time the government has put a number on India’s EV-export ambition, and it comes as domestic automakers accelerate global strategies. Modi noted that the country’s auto exports have more than doubled in the past decade, from around ₹50,000 crore in 2014 to ₹1.2 lakh crore today. Beyond cars and two-wheelers, India has also begun shipping metro coaches, rail coaches, and locomotives, positioning the EV plan as the next step in building a global supply base for clean mobility.
Emphasizing research as the foundation for long-term competitiveness, the Prime Minister argued that India cannot rely on ‘imported research’ to meet its aspirations. He said policies are being continually refined to strengthen the domestic R&D ecosystem, and called for urgency and focus from industry and institutions alike.
The announcement was framed against wider economic indicators. According to Modi, 22 lakh new members were added to the EPFO in June 2025, the highest for any month, while inflation is at its lowest since 2017 and foreign-exchange reserves are at record highs. In renewables, he highlighted the jump in solar manufacturing capacity from 2.5 GW in 2014 to 100 GW today.
For automakers, a sharper export focus presents both opportunity and responsibility. Companies with established overseas operations could benefit from policy tailwinds, while others may need to step up investment in research, design, safety, and quality to meet international standards. Details expected on 26 August will be watched for signals on certification pathways, market access, and logistics that could shape India’s EV export trajectory.
Modi said India’s strong fundamentals allow it to redirect fast-flowing currents. The task for industry now will be to keep pace and ensure the country’s electric-mobility story resonates in markets worldwide.
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