Rajesh Nath, Managing Director of VDMA India, speaks about additive manufacturing and AI, and how they will impact India’s ambitions to boost manufacturing.

I understand German manufacturing houses are in close dialogue to work in India towards the next big things that will influence the entire manufacturing value chain – additive manufacturing and AI. Given that it is going to result in major disruptions, how do you think it is going to affect India’s ambitions to boost manufacturing as a percentage in GDP terms?

The integration of additive manufacturing and AI offers India a transformative opportunity to boost its manufacturing GDP share while modernising the sector. Additive manufacturing enhances precision, reduces wastage, and supports high-value industries like aerospace and healthcare, while AI optimises processes like predictive maintenance, supply chain management, and quality control. 

Together, they improve competitiveness and align with sustainability goals, driving efficiency and greener practices. Strategic collaborations with German manufacturers can further amplify this impact by promoting technology transfer and upskilling the workforce. SMEs (Small and Medium Enterprises), which form the backbone of India’s manufacturing sector, can adopt these technologies to scale operations and access global markets. With increased efficiency, higher-value output, and a focus on sustainability, India’s manufacturing contribution to GDP can rise substantially, creating a ripple effect across employment and allied industries.

What steps are required to be taken to make this technology adoption easier in the coastal shipping and inland waterways space as initial capex will be far higher as compared to existing technologies?

The government’s $3.5 billion push and infrastructure status for shipping present a great opportunity to modernise coastal shipping and inland waterways. To ease technology adoption despite high initial capex, subsidies, tax incentives, and low-interest loans are essential to support operators. Public-private partnerships can help share costs and risks, while pilot projects will demonstrate the benefits of advanced technologies like AI-driven logistics and autonomous systems. This move will enhance connectivity between coastal and inland waterways, rail, and road, fostering multimodal integration. Technologies like AI, predictive maintenance, and automation could significantly improve operational efficiencies across these transport modes, reducing logistics costs and decongesting existing infrastructure. 

Additionally, skill development programmes and a robust regulatory framework will streamline adoption and build confidence in innovative solutions. For instance, specialised training in AI-driven logistics, predictive maintenance systems, and automated port operations can prepare workers for tech-enabled processes. Programmes on operating and maintaining smart vessels, integrating data analytics for supply chain efficiency, and multimodal transport coordination will be crucial. Additionally, certifications in green shipping technologies and sustainability practices can align with global standards, ensuring India’s workforce is future-ready and competitive.