India Extends Global Invitation to Bharat Steel 2026: Spearheaded by Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy
In a pivotal move to boost global collaboration in the steel industry, India’s Union Minister for Steel and Heavy Industries, Shri H.D. Kumaraswamy, conducted a productive dialogue with ambassadors and delegates from prominent steel-reliant nations. This meeting was a precursor to the Ministry of Steel’s premier international event, Bharat Steel 2026, slated for April 2026.
The session saw active participation from diplomats integral to the international steel framework, emphasizing the Ministry’s commitment to enhancing global partnerships and bolstering India’s role in both steel production and consumption on a worldwide scale.
During his address, Minister Kumaraswamy extended a warm welcome to the attendees, appreciating their engagement and highlighting it as a testament to the valued relationships India maintains across the globe. He shared insights into India’s economic strides, portraying the steel industry as a cornerstone of national development, resilience, and international cooperation.
India holds the position of the world’s second-leading steel manufacturer., a milestone reached through persistent reforms, significant investment, and a strategic vision aimed at modernization and sustainable growth. The sector accounts for around 2.5% of the country’s GDP and provides employment to more than 2.8 million people., fueled by demands from burgeoning sectors like infrastructure and manufacturing.
Minister Kumaraswamy referenced the National Steel Policy 2017 and the forward-thinking agenda set by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, forecasting an expansion of India’s steel production capacity to 300 million tonnes by the year 2030, with a target of reaching 500 million tonnes by 2047. These goals underscore India’s intent to further integrate into the global steel value chains and foster expansive international alliances.
The announcement of Bharat Steel as an annual international conference and exhibition marks a significant step toward institutionalizing this global dialogue. The inaugural Bharat Steel 2026, to be hosted at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, is set to be a confluence of policymakers, industry leaders, and innovators from around the world. The event will feature a Reverse Buyer–Seller Meet designed to support structured B2B interactions and cultivate enduring partnerships.
Minister Kumaraswamy outlined the conference’s focus areas including enhancing steel usage, endorsing sustainable practices, securing supply chains, spurring technological advances, and encouraging investments to augment production capacity. Discussions will also cover emerging topics like green steel, digital advancements in steel manufacturing, and efficient resource use.
He urged the ambassadors and national representatives to ensure robust participation from their countries, highlighting the opportunity for industry front-runners and investors to engage deeply at the event. He also invited them to participate in Country Roundtables and collaborate as Partner Countries, which would solidify bilateral ties and collaborative efforts in the steel domain.
Concluding the session, Minister Kumaraswamy expressed optimism about Bharat Steel 2026 shaping into a milestone event in the steel industry, driven by strong international participation. He looked forward to welcoming global delegates to New Delhi and crafting a new chapter in the narrative of international steel cooperation.
