India’s steel sector is on the brink of transformation as hydrogen emerges as a cleaner alternative to natural gas, with the potential to reshape the country’s decarbonisation efforts over the next decade. Union Steel Secretary Sandeep Poundrik stated at the CII Steel Summit 2025 that lowering hydrogen prices may make the “DRI plus Hydrogen” approach vital to India’s green steel goals.

He emphasised the steel sector’s importance to India’s sustainable growth and highlighted emerging prospects in the defence, space, power, and automotive industries, which are driving demand for advanced steel products. Poundrik underlined that approximately half of India’s steel output comes from over 2,200 small- and medium-sized businesses, demonstrating a strong, diverse industrial base.

He emphasised the importance of self-reliance, stating that the ministry is collaborating with the Coal Ministry to increase domestic coking coal supply while reducing low-quality imports through strict Quality Control Orders. 

India’s steel capacity is expected to reach 500 million tonnes by 2047, and the sector is quickly developing, adding roughly 100 million tonnes every few years. Industry leaders from Tata Steel and JSW Steel emphasised the need for sustainability, innovation, and investment to make India a global steel production leader.