Talking about advantages, the Minister said that large domestic market especially the one representing rural economy, wage competitiveness as compared to other emerging economies and large pool of skilled labour, are other key competitive factors favouring Indian manufacturing, which can help India create its own niche in the global manufacturing landscape.

Speaking at the event, Baba N. Kalyani, Chairman and Managing Director, Bharat Forge said that technology driven manufacturing is what will drive India towards becoming a global manufacturing hub. Talking about the challenges, he said that government needs to invest heavily in bridging the skill gap, if it is to sustain a higher growth trajectory.

Joerg Mueller, President and Managing Director, Volkswagen Group, India, said that better quality, precision and productivity are as essential as other factors, to enhance Indian manufacturing capabilities.

Reiterating the importance of manufacturing sector for employment generation, Mr Mueller said that vocational training should be given special importance, to make the workforce more employable.

Baba Kalyani said that capacity building in infrastructure would also provide a boost to India's core manufacturing capabilities.

Arun Malra, Member, Planning Commission, India said that the Indian manufacturing sector is a key to providing large scale employment to a labour force that is being displaced by an overburdened agricultural sector. Considering that SME sector has a wider scope in terms of employability than the organized manufacturing sector, it is essential that innovation is brought about in business models, opined Mr Malra.