PUNE: 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, 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, policymakers, and innovators under the theme “Innovative Pathways for Safe and Sustainable Mobility.” The Global Automotive Safety Regulations Book, SIAT 2026 Proceedings, and Technical Reference Papers, published by ARAI, were also launched by H. D. Kumaraswamy.
In his inaugural address, the Chief Guest, 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 Government of India’s strong push for sustainable, technology-driven mobility through initiatives such as the Capital Goods Scheme, FAME scheme, PM e‑Drive Scheme, and the PLI schemes. He commended the automotive sector’s crucial role in growth in manufacturing, 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 resolutions of being a developed country and achieving a net zero emissions”.
Furthermore, the percentage of pollution caused by public transport vehicles in India is 40 percent, and to reduce this, the central government is promoting the use of electric vehicles. H.D. Kumaraswamy also mentioned plans to increase the number of charging stations across the country in the coming period.
Kumaraswamy expressed confidence that the agreements reached with the European Union under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi will have a positive impact on both the Indian and European markets. He also stated that the Indian automotive industry will not only expand domestically but will also make its mark on the international market in the coming years.
Addressing the gathering, Shailesh Chandra, 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.
During the event, the Hon’ble Minister, H. D. Kumaraswamy, inaugurated the following state‑of‑the‑art mobility test and research facilities at Takwe, Pune.
- Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) Smart City Test Track
- Cylinder Testing Facility
- High Energy Impact Test Facility
Prasan Firodia, Managing Director – Force Motors, and Vice President – ARAI Governing Council, while welcoming the Hon’ble Minister and the participants, commended the Government’s role through various schemes for the automotive sector and appreciated ARAI’s role in the growth of the automotive Industry.
Dr. Reji Mathai, Director – ARAI & Chairman-Advisory Committee, SIAT 2026, stated that the symposium with more than 250 presentations reaffirmed the shared responsibility of global stakeholders to advance safety, sustainability, and next‑generation mobility technologies.
Moreover, he stated that the SIAT Expo 2026, featuring 275 exhibitors from 10 countries showcasing cutting-edge technologies and dedicated pavilions for Start-ups, MSEs, ADAS, and Software-Defined Mobility, will provide the latest information to those looking for future developments. Further, 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.
Dr. N. H. Walke, Senior Deputy Director – ARAI and Convener – SIAT 2026, offered a vote of thanks. Juhi Malhotra anchored the event. 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.