India Steel Sector Ramps Up for 300 MT Capacity by 2030

India is strategically advancing towards an ambitious target of 300 million tonnes (MT) in steel production capacity and 160 kg per capita consumption by 2030, as per official data.

With production-linked incentive (PLI) schemes for specialty steel drawing strong investment interest, the country’s steel sector is witnessing a transformative moment. The Ministry of Steel has confirmed that the second round of the PLI scheme has garnered commitments exceeding ₹17,000 crore, reflecting investor confidence in India’s potential to become a global hub for specialty steel. This scheme is designed not only to encourage domestic production but also to boost the industry’s resilience and global competitiveness amid shifting international supply chains.

In alignment with these developments, ‘India Steel 2025’, a major international conference and exhibition, is set to be held next week in Mumbai. The event aims to unlock collaborative opportunities across state and national borders, while also serving as a platform to exhibit India’s policy reforms and infrastructure progress. These efforts aim to improve the ease of doing business across the entire steel value chain—from mining to manufacturing and export logistics. Senior government representatives and global industry leaders are expected to participate, highlighting the strategic significance of the conference. The Prime Minister is scheduled to address the event via video conference, underscoring its national priority. High-level international delegations, including foreign diplomats and ministers from steel-producing nations, will be in attendance, signalling India’s growing engagement in global steel diplomacy.

With over 12,000 visitors, 1,200 delegates, and 250 exhibitors expected, the conference is poised to be among the most prominent global gatherings for the steel sector. It will feature several country-specific sessions led by key players such as South Korea, Sweden, Australia, and Mongolia. These sessions are expected to delve into joint research initiatives, technological collaboration, and the development of resilient supply chains, in an effort to reduce India’s dependency on volatile international steel markets. Another significant component of the event is the Reverse Buyer-Seller Meet, aimed at facilitating direct business engagements and strengthening India’s trade linkages. Officials from the Ministry of Steel emphasised that this approach would help create a dynamic ecosystem that encourages innovation and self-reliance while positioning Indian firms to capture higher value in global markets.

Experts indicate that the Indian steel sector is at a crucial inflection point. While India remains the world’s second-largest steel producer, its per capita consumption still lags behind developed nations. To bridge this gap, public and private stakeholders must invest in modernisation, energy efficiency, and environmentally sustainable technologies. The role of steel in enabling sustainable infrastructure cannot be overstated, especially in a country with massive urbanisation and industrialisation goals. Officials noted that the government’s push for green steel, driven by the National Green Hydrogen Mission and carbon neutrality goals, is beginning to influence policy and investment directions. Future-ready steel production must align with low-emission technologies and circular economy principles to ensure India’s growth is climate-resilient.

India’s rising steel demand is closely linked to sectors such as construction, automotive, renewable energy, and railways. In particular, the thrust on infrastructure development under the National Infrastructure Pipeline, coupled with private sector growth in solar, wind, and electric vehicle manufacturing, is expected to drive long-term demand. The government’s focus on affordable housing and the Make in India initiative further amplifies the steel industry’s relevance in building equitable and inclusive cities. While growth opportunities abound, challenges remain. Land acquisition delays, logistics inefficiencies, and volatile raw material prices continue to impact margins. Additionally, industry leaders have called for reforms in mining policy, faster environmental clearances, and improved port connectivity to ease bottlenecks and reduce operational risks.

Nonetheless, the outlook remains optimistic. India’s steel production capacity expansion is not just about volume—it is about building a robust and sustainable ecosystem. With the right policy support, public-private coordination, and international collaboration, India is poised to transform its steel industry into a pillar of economic strength, social equity, and environmental responsibility. As ‘India Steel 2025’ convenes global stakeholders in Mumbai, the event will serve as both a showcase and a springboard for India’s aspirations to lead the next era of steel innovation. Whether through green metallurgy, inclusive industrial growth, or international partnerships, India’s steel story is being reshaped to reflect its larger development vision.

India Steel Sector Ramps Up for 300 MT Capacity by 2030