Recognising the achievements of engineering goods’ exporters, Minister of Road Transport and Highways of India, Nitin Gadkari, presented the 57th EEPC India National Awards to top performers.
At the award ceremony held on Wednesday evening, Nitin Gadkari highlighted the critical role of the engineering sector in strengthening India’s economic foundation. He emphasised the importance of infrastructure development, technological innovation, and sustainable practices in enhancing India’s global competitiveness. He noted that engineering exports not only contribute to foreign exchange earnings but also create employment opportunities and foster industrial growth.
"Earlier, logistics costs in India were as high as 16% (of GDP), compared to around 18% in China and about 12% in America and Europe. But research and surveys conducted six months ago by IIT Bangalore, IIT Kanpur, and IIT Chennai indicated that the reduction in road infrastructure has decreased by 6%, bringing it down to 10%. But this report was done six months ago. I am confident that the pace at which we are developing road infrastructure, the logistics cost will come down to 9%," the Union Minister said.
He further said that as many as 36 green express highways are under development, and they would change the economic scenario of logistic cost in the country.
Gadkari highlighted that the two-wheeler industry in India is already exporting nearly 50% of its production.
"Now, all the famous brands of the world, from Mercedes to all the big people, are present in India and are looking to export their cars from here. I remember, about 6 to 8 months before, when I got the opportunity to launch an electric Mercedes, the chairman of Mercedes told me that they have now decided to move towards 100% electric, and their manufacturing centre will be in India," he said.
Gadkari noted that the Indian auto sector surpassed Japan about 6-8 months back, and now it ranks in third position in the world.
"The first is the USA, having the size of the industry at Rs 79 lakh crore. The second is China at Rs 49 lakh crore, and now India is at Rs 22 lakh crore. I am confident that because of new technology, innovation, and research in alternative fuel and biofuel, the sky is the limit. The way our industry is marching towards alternative fuel and biofuel, 100%, we are going to be number one in the world. So, the mission is that within 5 years, we want to take our country to number one, and this industry is the heart of our economy," he said.
Pankaj Chadha, Chairman, EEPC India, highlighted the resilience and adaptability of Indian engineering exporters. He noted that despite global challenges such as disruptions in key sea routes and geopolitical tensions in regions like West Asia, the sector has demonstrated remarkable strength and sustained growth.
As per the quick estimates of the government, engineering was the largest component of merchandise exports in the financial year 2026, with its share standing at 27.71%.
Despite multiple external challenges, including the West Asia conflict and trade disruptions on key sea routes, India's total engineering goods exports hit an all-time high of US$122.43 billion, up 4.86% year-on-year.
Among the 34 product panels, as many as 26 product panels achieved year-on-year growth in exports during fiscal 2025-26, while only eight conceded decline over the previous fiscal.
The EEPC India National Awards celebrate and recognise the achievements of engineering goods exporters from the micro, small, medium, and large segments. A total of 116 awards were given in five categories for their performance in the financial year 2024-25, when total engineering exports hit a record high of US$116.67 billion.
Green Awards, launched in March 2024, are the newest addition and reflect EEPC India’s commitment to sustainability. This year, 12 companies were conferred the 2nd EEPC India Green Awards 2026.
