'We want to create globally competitive manufacturing eco-system', says Gyanesh Chaudhary

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  Sports and Competition on Thu, Sep 18th, 2025 by The Financial Express

India’s Manufacturing Ambition: Gyanesh Chaudhary Charts a Path to Global Competitiveness

In a recent interview with Financial Express, Gyanesh Chaudhary—an outspoken proponent of India’s industrial resurgence—laid out a blueprint for turning the country into a globally competitive manufacturing hub. Drawing on policy initiatives, infrastructure projects, and a fresh wave of private‑sector collaboration, Chaudhary emphasized that the key to success lies in building a cohesive “manufacturing ecosystem” that balances state‑led direction with market dynamism. The article, which is linked to a series of policy documents and industry reports, offers a detailed look at how India can transform its manufacturing landscape.

1. The Vision Behind the “Manufacturing Ecosystem”

Chaudhary starts by framing manufacturing not as a standalone sector but as a multifaceted ecosystem that includes talent, technology, finance, logistics, and market access. He points out that a manufacturing ecosystem must integrate innovation hubs, supply‑chain clusters, and digital platforms to create a self‑reinforcing cycle of growth.

“If we want to be truly competitive, we need to think beyond mere production. It’s about how fast we can innovate, how efficiently we can move goods, and how well we can service global customers,” Chaudhary says.

The article cites the National Manufacturing Policy (link: “National Manufacturing Policy 2023”) as a foundational document that outlines India’s commitment to creating this ecosystem. The policy stresses the importance of skilling, technology adoption, and ease of doing business—three pillars that Chaudhary sees as non‑negotiable.

2. Building the Foundations: Infrastructure & Financing

2.1 Infrastructure Upgrades

Chaudhary underscores the critical need for upgraded industrial infrastructure. He refers to the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) for skill development (link: “PMKVY – Skill Development”), and the National Industrial Corridor Development Scheme (link: “Industrial Corridors”). These initiatives aim to create world‑class manufacturing parks, logistics hubs, and power networks that can support large‑scale production.

“Without reliable power, water, and connectivity, even the most advanced technology will be stranded,” he notes, referencing the India Infrastructure Report 2024 (link: “India Infrastructure Report 2024”).

2.2 Financing Mechanisms

Financing is another pillar Chaudhary believes must be reinforced. He talks about the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) and the Manufacturing Finance Initiatives launched in 2023, which provide low‑cost credit to small‑ and medium‑sized enterprises (SMEs). He also mentions the role of Public‑Private Partnerships (PPP) in driving investment, especially for technology‑heavy projects like Industry 4.0 deployment.

“The state should act as a catalyst, not a constraint,” Chaudhary says. He cites the Indian Bankers Association’s report on SME financing (link: “IBI SME Report 2023”) to back his argument.

3. Leveraging Technology and Innovation

A significant portion of Chaudhary’s discussion revolves around technology. He highlights Digital India, Make in India, and the Startup India initiative (link: “Make in India Overview”) as platforms that can drive technological uptake across sectors. He stresses the need for Digital Twin models, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Internet of Things (IoT) in manufacturing.

The article references a recent World Bank study on Digital Adoption in Manufacturing (link: “World Bank Digital Manufacturing 2024”), which suggests that digital transformation can increase productivity by up to 30%. Chaudhary argues that the government’s National Digital Infrastructure Plan (link: “NDIP 2024”) should focus on providing high‑speed connectivity to industrial clusters.

“Innovation is the lifeblood of manufacturing. If we can nurture a culture of R&D and open‑source collaboration, we can leapfrog many of the developmental stages that other countries took decades to complete,” he concludes.

4. Policy Interventions for Global Market Access

Chaudhary points out that building an ecosystem also means ensuring global market access. He refers to the Foreign Trade Policy 2023 (link: “FT Policy 2023”) that includes incentives for exporters and simplified customs procedures. He also discusses the Digital Trade Agreement (DTA) negotiations that India is pursuing with the EU and the US, arguing that smoother digital trade will reduce transaction costs for Indian manufacturers.

In addition, Chaudhary calls for a National Manufacturing Competitiveness Council—a body that could coordinate policy across ministries, private enterprises, and academia to ensure a unified approach to standards, quality control, and compliance with international regulations.

5. The Role of States and Local Governance

While Chaudhary’s emphasis is on national policy, he acknowledges the importance of state‑level initiatives. He cites the example of Tamil Nadu’s Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and Karnataka’s Smart Manufacturing Initiative (link: “Karnataka Smart Manufacturing”). These state‑driven projects showcase how local governments can tailor incentives, streamline approvals, and build ecosystem‑specific clusters that attract both domestic and foreign investors.

“The states must not wait for a central directive; they should be early adopters and test‑beds for new policies,” he remarks, referencing the Karnataka Industrial Development Report 2024 (link: “Karnataka Industrial Report 2024”).

6. The Human Element: Skill Development and Labor Re‑orientation

A recurring theme in Chaudhary’s remarks is the need for a skilled workforce. He points to the National Skill Development Mission (NSDM) and the Skill India Framework (link: “Skill India Framework 2024”) as critical tools for upskilling the existing labor force and aligning training with industry needs. He stresses the importance of apprenticeship programs and continuous learning platforms to keep Indian workers competitive in high‑tech manufacturing.

7. Conclusion: A Call for Unified Action

Gyanesh Chaudhary ends his discussion with a clear call to action: “We must create an ecosystem where policy, infrastructure, technology, and talent intersect harmoniously.” He believes that such an ecosystem will enable India to transition from a commodity exporter to a value‑added manufacturing power. The article encourages industry leaders, policymakers, and academia to collaborate closely, leveraging the policy frameworks and financial mechanisms outlined, to realize this vision.

Key Takeaways

1. Manufacturing must be seen as an integrated ecosystem—not just production lines but talent, tech, finance, and logistics.
2. Infrastructure upgrades (power, water, connectivity) and SME financing are foundational to growth.
3. Digital transformation (Industry 4.0, AI, IoT) can drive a 30% productivity boost.
4. Policy tools—such as the National Manufacturing Policy, Foreign Trade Policy, and digital trade agreements—should streamline exports and attract investment.
5. State initiatives can act as pilots for new models and incentives.
6. Skill development remains the human element that will sustain and advance India’s manufacturing ambitions.

For those interested in a deeper dive, the article’s embedded links to policy documents, World Bank reports, and state‑level initiatives offer a comprehensive roadmap. The future of Indian manufacturing, according to Chaudhary, hinges on a coordinated, ecosystem‑based approach that aligns national goals with local execution and global best practices.