INDIA: THE EPICENTRE OF GLOBAL AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY R&D

INDIA IS NOW A THRIVING DESTINATION FOR AUTOMOTIVE R&D, DRAWING GLOBAL RECOGNITION FOR ITS INNOVATION AND STRONG INFRASTRUCTURE. WITH A TALENTED WORKFORCE AND FAVOURABLE BUSINESS CLIMATE, INDIA IS ESTABLISHING ITSELF AS THE PRIME HUB FOR TRANSFORMATIVE ADVANCEMENTS IN AUTOMOTIVE R&D. A REPORT.

- SUJATHA VISHNURAJ

In recent years, India has emerged as a prominent destination for R&D activities in the automotive industry. The country's vibrant research ecosystem, a pool of highly skilled engineers, and cost competitiveness have attracted MNCs seeking to leverage India's intellectual capital. With strong potential for growth in areas such as engineering analytics and significant talent in the 'Deccan Triangle' region – encompassing Pune, Bangalore, Chennai and Hyderabad – India is poised to become an auto R&D hub. Raghavendra Vaidya, MD & CEO of Daimler Truck Innovation Centre India, highlights the global impact of India's engineering centres in the automotive industry. These centres are solving problems for India and the world, showcasing India's exceptional engineering talent and ability to adapt to diverse conditions.

India's abundant pool of talented engineers has gained recognition worldwide. These skilled professionals are returning to their homeland, contributing to a thriving intellectual capital base. Their focus on innovation and technological advancements has positioned India as a hub for cutting-edge automotive R&D projects. The availability of this intellectual capital is a major attraction for MNCs, as Indian engineers are highly trained and sought after by top global companies. With competitive costs and a skilled workforce, India remains an enticing destination for companies seeking to invest in R&D and leverage the country's talent pool. According to Dr Balaji Venkataraman, President of TVS Sensing Solutions, India possesses a remarkable talent pool in software development, AI, and EV solutions. Combining localisation efforts, a thriving market, and advanced technological infrastructure catalyses growth and innovation. These factors consistently position India as the preferred R&D hub for industry players.