New Delhi. India: Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy has called for stronger industry participation in automotive skilling as India prepares its workforce for electric mobility, automation and advanced manufacturing, while 43 trained candidates were flagged off for employment opportunities in Romania.
Speaking at the Automotive Skills Development Council (ASDC) Annual Conclave 2026 in New Delhi on August 31, 2026, the Union Minister for Heavy Industries said India’s automotive workforce must be prepared for both domestic demand and opportunities in international markets.
Kumaraswamy said the country’s automotive industry is undergoing a significant technological shift, driven by electric mobility, automation, connected technologies, advanced manufacturing and Industry 4.0. These changes are creating new requirements across vehicle manufacturing, battery production, charging infrastructure, servicing and after-sales operations.
The Minister stressed that skilling institutions cannot work independently of industry. Automobile manufacturers, component makers, dealerships and other industry participants, he said, need to help identify the skills required and ensure that training reflects actual workplace requirements.
He also called for closer coordination between education, training and employment. Curricula, training methods and assessment systems need to be updated regularly in consultation with industry so that candidates develop capabilities relevant to changing automotive technologies.
The ASDC was given a particular role in building this talent pipeline. Kumaraswamy said the council should continue working with industry to anticipate future skill requirements and prepare professionals who can meet both Indian and international standards.
The international focus was highlighted during the conclave when 43 candidates placed in Romania were formally flagged off. The Minister said such opportunities demonstrate how skills development can create pathways for Indian youth to participate in the global workforce.
ASDC’s reported activity during FY 2025–26 shows the scale of its skilling work. The council impacted 5,08,173 learners, conducted 1,53,240 assessments and generated 2,88,756 apprenticeship contracts across approximately 3,700 establishments.
Kumaraswamy said India’s transition into a major global automotive manufacturing and technology centre will depend not only on investment and production capacity but also on whether the country can develop workers equipped for the industry’s changing needs.
The Minister concluded by emphasising continued cooperation between government, industry, academia and skilling institutions to connect India’s young workforce with employment opportunities within the country and overseas.
Source: This article is based on an official press release issued by thr Press Information Bureau (PIB)
Press Release: Press Information Bureau
