Hon’ble Minister for Heavy Industries Shri H. D. Kumaraswamy inaugurates SIAT 2026 in Pune
Pune, 27 January 2026: The 19th edition of the Symposium on International Automotive Technology (SIAT 2026)—the flagship biennial event of The Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI)—was inaugurated today by Hon’ble Minister for Heavy Industries, Shri H. D. Kumaraswamy, at the Pune International Exhibition and Convention Centre (PIECC), Moshi.
Marking a landmark moment coinciding with ARAI’s Diamond Jubilee Year, SIAT 2026 brought together global leaders, technocrats, researchers, policy-makers, and innovators under the theme “Innovative Pathways for Safe and Sustainable Mobility.”
Shri Prasan Firodia, Managing Director – Force Motors and Vice President – ARAI Governing Council, welcomed Hon’ble Ministers, the dignitaries, and participants to the grand Inauguration Ceremony of SIAT 2026.
In his inaugural address, the Chief Guest of the ceremony, Shri H. D. Kumaraswamy, commended ARAI for its 60-year journey of contributions to India’s automotive ecosystem. Highlighting India’s rapid economic progress toward becoming the world’s third-largest economy, he emphasized the automotive sector’s crucial role in manufacturing growth, exports, advanced R&D, and emerging software-led mobility solutions.
He further mentioned that “looking at the scale of this conference, depth of technical content to be presented and impressive expertise gathered here, I believe this event will result in an exciting exchange of information generating new knowledge and ideas showing pathways for India’s 2047 and 2070 resolves of being a developed country and achieving net zero emissions.”
The Minister reaffirmed the Government of India’s strong push for sustainable, technology-driven mobility through initiatives such as the Capital Goods Scheme Phase II, FAME II, PLI Schemes, PM e-Drive Scheme, and the National Green Hydrogen Mission. These initiatives, he said, continue to strengthen India’s innovation potential, self-reliance, and clean mobility roadmap.
Addressing the gathering, Shri Shailesh Chandra, President – SIAM and Managing Director, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles & Tata Passenger Electric Mobility, highlighted the automotive industry’s ongoing global transformation driven by emerging technologies. He noted India’s rising global stature—now the world’s largest producer of three-wheelers, among the top two in two-wheelers, top four in passenger vehicles, and top five in commercial vehicles, with record vehicle exports in 2025.
He underscored the importance of sustainable growth, energy-efficient technologies, and stakeholder collaboration, while commending ARAI for facilitating meaningful knowledge exchange through SIAT since 1985.
To mark ARAI’s 60 years of excellence, several state-of-the-art mobility test and research facilities were inaugurated at the hands of Hon’ble Minister for Heavy Industries, Shri H. D. Kumaraswamy during SIAT 2026, including:
- Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) Smart City Test Track
- Cylinder Testing Facility
- High Energy Impact Test Facility
Dr. Reji Mathai, Director – ARAI and Chairman-Advisory Committee, SIAT 2026, stated that the symposium reaffirmed the shared responsibility of global stakeholders to advance safety, sustainability, and next-generation mobility technologies.
Held concurrently, SIAT Expo 2026 features:
- 275 exhibitors from 10 countries
- 387 booths showcasing cutting-edge technologies
- Dedicated pavilions for Start-ups, MSEs, ADAS, AI, Autonomous Driving, and Software-Defined Mobility
A special Technology Theatre will host expert talks and panel discussions, fostering collaboration and industry-academia engagement. A major highlight will be the Students’ Poster Presentation Competition, enabling undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD students to showcase innovations and interact with industry and research leaders.
Honourable Minister of State for Heavy Industries and Steel, Shri Bhupathi Raju Srinivasa Varma, appreciated the successful organisation of the 19th edition of SIAT 2026, noting that it was highly productive and added value for all participants. He congratulated ARAI on its Diamond Jubilee, marking 60 years of dedicated service to the nation.
Dr. N. H. Walke, Senior Deputy Director – ARAI and Convener – SIAT 2026, offered the vote of thanks.
With strong international participation, impactful discussions, and the launch of advanced testing infrastructure, SIAT 2026 reaffirms ARAI’s commitment to driving safer, cleaner, and smarter mobility for India and the world.