Government of India constituted six sector-specific working groups to promote domestic manufacturing and import substitution

Government of India constituted six sector-specific working groups to promote domestic manufacturing and import substitution

¨     The Government of India constituted six sector-specific working groups on 4 June 2026 to promote domestic manufacturing and import substitution.

¨     The groups have been tasked with identifying up to 100 products that can be manufactured or expanded within India.

¨     The sectors covered include pharmaceuticals, biotechnology and medical devices; chemicals and petrochemicals, textiles and footwear; capital goods, automotive and electric vehicles, advanced capital goods; energy; construction equipment and infrastructure; and defence, aerospace, and electronics.

¨     Each working group is chaired by the Secretary of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade.

¨     Members are drawn from ministries and departments including commerce, DPIIT, NITI Aayog, pharmaceuticals, economic affairs, science and technology, chemicals, textiles, heavy industry, ports and shipping, electronics and information technology, road transport, new and renewable energy, and petroleum.

¨     The groups will identify products that are either not manufactured in India or are produced in insufficient quantities.

¨     The selected products are intended to support both domestic demand and export opportunities in global markets.

¨     The final list is to be submitted to the Cabinet Secretariat within three weeks of 4 June 2026.

¨     India’s imports increased by 7.5% to USD 775 billion in FY 2025–26.

¨     Crude oil remained the largest import item at USD 174 billion.

¨     Electronic goods imports stood at USD 116.2 billion.

¨     Machinery imports were valued at USD 61.73 billion.

¨     Transport equipment imports reached USD 34.75 billion.

¨     Imports of coal, coke, and briquettes amounted to USD 27.9 billion.

¨     Chemical imports were approximately USD 28 billion.

¨ Pharmaceuticals and medical devices form an important part of the healthcare manufacturing value chain.

¨     Chemicals and petrochemicals constitute a key industrial input sector.

¨     Capital goods, automobiles, electric vehicles, and advanced capital goods are integral to the engineering and mobility sectors.