New Delhi, Aug 20: India’s manufacturing sector could see a major boost from faster adoption of artificial intelligence, robotics, automation, advanced materials and other frontier technologies, while delays in embracing these technologies could carry a significant economic cost.
A recent report has estimated that India could miss out on around USD 270 billion in additional manufacturing GDP by 2035 and nearly USD 1 trillion by 2047 if frontier technologies are not adopted across key high-impact sectors.
The report highlights AI-led innovation, industrial automation, digitalisation and product and process innovation as important drivers of future manufacturing growth. Wider use of these technologies could help factories improve productivity, reduce production time, strengthen quality and compete more effectively in international markets.
Artificial intelligence and robotics are expected to play an increasingly important role in areas such as smart production, predictive maintenance and automated industrial operations. Advanced manufacturing could also support the development of new industries and create opportunities for skilled workers in engineering, technology, data and specialised manufacturing.
The broader national manufacturing roadmap aims to raise manufacturing’s contribution to more than 25 per cent of India’s GDP, create over 100 million jobs and position the country among the leading global advanced manufacturing hubs by 2035.
The push towards frontier technology is therefore emerging as more than an industrial upgrade. It could help Indian companies move towards higher-value products, reduce import dependence, strengthen domestic supply chains and create new employment opportunities.
With sustained investment in research, infrastructure, workforce skills and technology adoption, India’s manufacturing sector has the potential to become a stronger engine of economic growth and support the country’s long-term development ambitions.