The Association of Indian Forging Industry (AIFI) held its National Annual Convention in Pune, bringing together leaders from across the sector to assess current challenges, explore emerging opportunities, and shape the roadmap for the future of forging in India. The event placed strong emphasis on the evolving automotive landscape, the electric vehicle (EV) transition, and the ongoing relevance of internal combustion engines (ICE) in the Indian context.
Opening the convention, Sunil Javalekar, Chairman of AIFI’s Western Region, spoke about the forging industry’s long-standing contribution to India’s manufacturing strength. He also stressed the importance of presenting a unified voice as the sector adapts to a rapidly changing global environment.
Two keynote sessions led the agenda. Dr KC Vora, Program Director at NAMTECH’s Automotive Centre of Excellence, addressed the future of EVs and ICE in India. He detailed how government initiatives like FAME II and the Green Hydrogen Mission are shaping India’s mobility shift. Dr Vora also underlined that ICE technologies still hold significant importance in India’s diverse transport system, especially in rural and heavy-duty applications.
The second keynote, delivered by Prenayan Kaul, Partner at PwC, focused on how forging firms can remain competitive amid global headwinds. Mr Kaul pointed to technology adoption, operational efficiency, and diversification as key factors for growth, especially in an era of supply chain uncertainty and environmental mandates.
Yash Munot, President of AIFI, addressed attendees with a message of both urgency and optimism. “We are at a defining moment, where the forging industry must align itself with global sustainability goals while staying competitive. The automotive shift, driven by EVs and alternative fuels, opens new doors—but also demands faster innovation,” he said.
He also announced a significant step forward: a partnership between AIFI and Hexagon through a Memorandum of Understanding. The agreement aims to promote smart manufacturing and digital technologies within the forging sector, enabling members to modernize and compete on a global scale.
A panel discussion led by S Muralishankar, Chairman of Technology and Training at AIFI, featured industry leaders C Rajagopalan (President, Fasteners Division, Sundram Fasteners Ltd), Deven Doshi (Chairman, Government Interface, AIFI & Director, Echjay Industries Pvt Ltd), and Manish Sonawane (Vice President, Sales, Bharat Forge Ltd), who shared their perspectives on current industry challenges, policy developments, and opportunities for growth, emphasizing the need for innovation, adaptability, and collaborative efforts to drive the forging sector forward. Topics ranged from supply chain dynamics and regulatory updates to technology trends and export potential. The panel emphasized the need for adaptive strategies, greater collaboration, and continued investments in innovation.
The event concluded with a collective commitment to strengthen the forging sector’s position in India’s industrial framework. AIFI reiterated its support for national priorities like Atmanirbhar Bharat and the green mobility push, noting that the forging industry is a vital link in the value chain that powers automobiles, railways, energy, and defense.
Founded in 1965, the Association of Indian Forging Industry (AIFI) represents over 200 forging companies across India, making it the country’s largest and oldest body for the sector. Indian forging manufacturers supply a wide range of critical components including crankshafts, connecting rods, gears, axle parts, fasteners, and railway wheels. The industry is a key contributor to India’s automotive production and a major source of employment.
India ranks as the world’s second-largest forging producer, following China. For nearly 60 years, AIFI has played a central role in shaping policy, enabling industry dialogue, and supporting the long-term growth of Indian forging.
