NEW DELHI - Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent appeal to Indians to reduce petrol and diesel consumption is reinforcing a broader shift in the country's mobility strategy, with Japanese automakers, a major presence in the country's market, taking a technology-neutral approach.
During his monthly radio address in May, Modi urged citizens to reduce petrol and diesel consumption by using public transportation, carpooling and electric vehicles, saying lower fossil fuel consumption would strengthen India's energy security and economic resilience.
The policy message came as India, the world's third-largest crude oil importer, is simultaneously promoting electric mobility, ethanol blending, natural gas, biogas and flex-fuel technologies to diversify its energy sources.
Maruti Suzuki India, the country's largest carmaker, said India's transition would require multiple technologies rather than relying on a single solution.
"There are many technologies available today and each has its own advantages and limitations. Since every country has unique resources, infrastructure and customer needs, no single technology can address them all," Rahul Bharti, senior executive officer for corporate affairs at Maruti Suzuki India Ltd., told Kyodo News.
Bharti said Maruti's strategy includes battery electric vehicles, strong hybrids, efficient combustion engine vehicles and those running on flex fuel, natural gas and biogas, adding that greater use of domestically available biofuels could strengthen India's energy independence.
The government's strategy to expand ethanol blending and promote flex-fuel vehicles to reduce crude oil imports has sparked debate, with some motorists and consumer groups raising concerns over fuel efficiency and vehicle compatibility.
"There is no one-size-fits-all solution for the future of mobility," said Hajime Aota, chairman of Yamaha Motor India Group.
Electrification, hybrid systems and other advanced technologies using ethanol-based fuels and hydrogen would all contribute to the transition depending on customer needs and local infrastructure, he said.
Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India said its long-term strategy reflects changing customer needs on the back of India's policy shifts.
"Our multi-pathway approach encompassing efficient internal combustion engine technologies, alternate fuels and electric mobility reflects our focus on practical and customer relevant mobility solutions for Indian conditions," said Tsutsumu Otani, president and chief executive officer of Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India.
He said the company continues to evaluate different technologies based on customer demand, infrastructure readiness, market developments and government policy.
Delhi recently unveiled a new electric vehicle policy that aims to accelerate EV adoption through purchase incentives, expanded charging infrastructure and phased restrictions on new registrations of some fossil fuel-powered vehicles.
India and Japan are expanding cooperation in clean energy and economic security. The two countries have agreed to strengthen collaboration in areas including critical minerals, batteries, hydrogen, bioenergy and supply chain resilience, reflecting growing strategic convergence beyond conventional manufacturing ties.
