‘Scale up domestic manufacturing capabilities to reduce import dependence’

C K Govil, President, ACAAI said, “The industry’s ability to cope with this shift will hinge on agility, collaboration and investment in capacity. With tariff wars and supply chain disruptions pushing costs up and creating uncertainty, Vocal for Local and Make in India offer both a challenge and an opportunity. Manufacturers and agents will need to re-engineer sourcing strategies, diversify supply chains and scale up domestic manufacturing capabilities to reduce import dependence. This transition will require government–industry partnerships to ensure policy stability, infrastructure upgrades, and skill development. While short-term pain is inevitable due to higher costs and adaptation time, in the medium to long term, the shift could strengthen India’s manufacturing ecosystem, boost exports, and create more resilient trade pathways that are less vulnerable to geopolitical turbulence.”