US Tariffs & India’s Auto Industry: Navigating Uncertainty Ahead

President Donald Trump’s recent announcement of a 25% tariff on all foreign-made automobiles and components marks a significant shift in U.S. trade policy, sending ripples across global supply chains. For India’s auto sector, which exports nearly $7 billion in components annually, this move presents both a formidable challenge and a strategic inflection point.

India’s growing presence in the global auto value chain—driven by cost competitiveness, skilled engineering, and a robust vendor ecosystem—now faces turbulence. OEMs and Tier-1 suppliers that rely on U.S. contracts may see immediate disruptions, while long-term planning will need a fundamental realignment.

This high-level session will explore the multi-dimensional impact of these tariffs, examining their implications on Indian exporters, vulnerabilities in current supply chains, and opportunities for strategic pivots. What segments of the industry are most exposed? Can firms recalibrate to minimize disruption? How can India build resilience into its auto ecosystem?

As global automakers reassess sourcing models and geopolitical shifts reshape trade dynamics, the urgency to future-proof India’s auto industry has never been greater. This session will examine whether Indian firms can pivot to alternate export markets—such as the EU, ASEAN, Latin America, or Africa—to diversify risk. It will also explore whether these challenges could accelerate domestic localization, investment in EVs, and leadership in embedded technology.

Beyond business strategies, the role of the Indian government will be central. From revisiting trade agreements and offering policy incentives to supporting R&D and infrastructure for next-gen mobility, collaboration between policymakers and industry leaders will be key to navigating this moment.

India’s advantage lies in its adaptability, engineering depth, and digital capability. But capitalizing on this potential will require bold, coordinated action. Could this be the moment for India to emerge not just as a manufacturing base but as an innovation hub for the global auto industry?

Join industry leaders, policymakers, trade experts, and visionaries as they outline a roadmap to help India’s auto sector thrive amid global trade realignment. With the right mix of policy, strategy, and foresight, the sector can turn disruption into opportunity—and write the next chapter of global automotive leadership.