The Automotive Skills Development Council (ASDC) successfully hosted its Annual Partners Forum 2025 under the theme “Stronger Together, Transform Tomorrow”, welcoming over 250 industry leaders, policymakers, and academics at The Grand Hotel, New Delhi.
Dr. Hanif Qureshi, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Heavy Industries, inaugurated the forum, emphasizing the automotive sector’s vital contribution—$240 billion to the Indian economy and 42% of total manufacturing output. He credited the ₹26,000 crore PLI scheme for catalyzing electric and hydrogen mobility innovations and lauded progress toward 50% domestic value addition in EV manufacturing.
Dr. Qureshi stressed that skilling and reskilling must be prioritized to align with global manufacturing timelines and expand India’s modest 3% share in the $700 billion global auto components market.
Prof. T.G. Sitharam, Chairman, AICTE, noted that the “Amrit Kaal” is a defining period to build globally competitive automotive products. He urged a deeper focus on robotics and emerging technologies and praised ASDC’s role in creating a future-ready workforce.
Dr. Suhas Deshmukh, Director, NCVET, highlighted the role of NEP 2020 in integrating technical education and skilling, aiming to make Indian youth job-ready and future-proof.
Mr. F. R. Singhvi, President of ASDC, emphasized a holistic approach to skilling, combining technical proficiency with values, communication, and responsibility, to raise professionals who surpass global standards.
Dr. Rodney Riviere from GIZ India added that AI will enhance—not replace—human expertise, revolutionizing diagnostics, logistics, and training by augmenting human-machine collaboration.
The forum also featured:
- Recognition of CSR partners
- Convocation of women trainees under Project Saksham (Hero MotoCorp)
- MoUs with HCL Foundation, Lucas Indian Services, Victora Foundation, and Hero MotoCorp – Haridwar
- Panel discussions on vocational education under NEP and CSR-led sustainable skilling
Sponsored by George Telegraph, Vision India, ISIE India, and Ascensive Educare, the event reaffirmed ASDC’s commitment to nurturing talent and strengthening India’s position as a global hub for automotive skills.