Bharat Steel 2026 to Shape Future of Global Steelmaking

India is set to host Bharat Steel 2026, a two-day international conference-cum-exhibition organised by the Ministry of Steel, on April 16–17 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. The summit is positioned as a major platform to influence global discourse on steelmaking at a time when sustainability, supply chain resilience and technological transformation are reshaping the sector worldwide.

Strategic Importance of the Steel Sector

The conference reflects India’s ambition to place steel at the core of its long-term growth strategy. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has repeatedly highlighted steel as a strategic industry underpinning infrastructure, manufacturing and economic expansion. India has emerged as the world’s second-largest steel producer, and the sector is seen as critical to achieving the country’s $5 trillion economy goal and broader industrial self-reliance objectives.

Production Targets and Policy Direction

The government has set an ambitious steel production capacity target of 300 million tonnes by 2030 and 500 million tonnes by 2047. Rising domestic demand from infrastructure, housing, railways, defence and energy is driving expansion, but policymakers stress that scale must be accompanied by secure raw material access, efficient logistics and regulatory predictability. Emphasis is being placed on beneficiation, logistics reforms and reducing dependence on imported coking coal.

Innovation, PLI Scheme and Green Steel Focus

A key theme at Bharat Steel 2026 will be innovation-led modernisation. The Production Linked Incentive scheme for specialty steel is steering the industry towards high-grade and precision steels used in defence, aerospace and automotive sectors. The summit will also spotlight green steel, guided by the Steel Ministry’s Green Steel Roadmap, which promotes green hydrogen, carbon capture, higher scrap utilisation and low-emission production technologies.

Imporatnt Facts for Exams

• Bharat Steel 2026 is organised by the Ministry of Steel.
• India targets 300 million tonnes steel capacity by 2030.
• PLI scheme focuses on specialty and value-added steel.
• Green steel involves low-emission production technologies.

Global Engagement and Viksit Bharat Vision

More than 700 delegates, including global steelmakers, technology firms, public sector enterprises, startups and investors, are expected to attend. With discussions on digitalisation, automation and AI-driven efficiency, the summit aligns with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, positioning India as a competitive, sustainable and innovation-driven steel producer in global markets.