India's unique opportunity to build sustainable smart factories for global competitiveness

India has a unique opportunity to lead global manufacturing by building sustainable smart factories, blending Industry 4.0 technologies with green practices to drive productivity, resilience, and environmental responsibility.

- By Dr. S Sriram, Director (MEI), & Head - Factory Automation Systems, Mitsubishi Electric India

India stands at a pivotal moment in its manufacturing journey. The convergence of global trends, strategic policy interventions, and a growing appetite for sustainability is giving the country a unique opportunity to redefine its industrial future. Over the next three to five years, India can position itself as a global leader in sustainable, smart manufacturing. This transformation promises not just economic gains, but a more resilient and environmentally responsible industrial ecosystem.

The global manufacturing landscape is undergoing a profound shift. Companies worldwide are reevaluating their supply chains, seeking resilience and sustainability in the wake of recent disruptions. The World Bank’s “China Plus One” strategy has opened new doors for countries like India, offering a chance to attract significant manufacturing investments as companies diversify beyond China. India is already capitalising on this momentum, with $800 billion in planned investments; remarkably, nearly 40% of this is directed toward green industries such as clean energy, electric vehicles, and semiconductors.

Convergence of sustainability and Industry 4.0