PM Modi flags off Maruti Suzuki’s first electric SUV e-Vitara, to be exported to over 100 countries

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday launched Maruti Suzuki’s first electric vehicle, the e-Vitara, from the company’s Hansalpur plant in Gujarat, marking a major milestone in India’s electric mobility journey.

The made-in-India SUV will be exported to over 100 countries, including Japan.

Speaking at the event, Modi said the moment was a big boost for the Make in India initiative. “Today is a great day for 'Make in India' as e-vehicles made in the country will be exported to 100 countries. The world will drive electric vehicles that are made in India,” he said.

The Prime Minister also inaugurated the new lithium-ion battery manufacturing facility set up by Suzuki, Toshiba, and Denso to support hybrid and electric vehicle battery production in India.

Underscoring his government’s focus on self-reliance, Modi said swadeshi should be a guiding principle for all Indians. “My definition of swadeshi is where money is invested by anybody but work is done by Indians,” he noted. He added, “The world will drive electric vehicles that are made in India.”

The Prime Minister praised Maruti Suzuki’s role in India’s automobile industry, calling it a swadeshi company despite its foreign investment. He also urged citizens to buy products made in India. “It is not important who makes the investment, but what matters is that the hard work for making the product should be of Indians,” he said.

Highlighting India’s progress under the Make in India programme, Modi said, “In the last decade, electronics production in India has increased by 500 per cent, mobile production has increased by 2,700 per cent and defence production rose by 200 per cent.”

Emphasising India’s strengths, the Prime Minister said, “India has the power of democracy, the advantage of demography and a very large pool of skilled workforce. This creates a win-win situation for every partner of ours.”

He also called on states to actively compete in reforms and development. “Today, the entire world is looking towards India. At such a time, no state should lag behind. Every state should take advantage of this opportunity,” he said. “Investors coming to the country should be so confused that they think: should I go to this state or that state,” he added.

Looking ahead, Modi reiterated the government’s focus on advanced industries. “India is not going to stop here. In the sectors where we have performed well, we aim to do even better. That is why we are emphasising Mission Manufacturing. In the coming time, our focus will be on futuristic industries,” he said, adding that India is taking off in the semiconductor sector as well.