Bhupender Yadav advocates circular economy for sustainable growth in automotive sector
Union Minister Bhupender Yadav emphasised the importance of circularity and sustainability in India’s growing automotive sector.

Bhupender Yadav, the Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, delivered the keynote address at the Special Ministerial Session of the 3rd International Conference on Sustainable Circularity in New Delhi today. The event, organized by the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), was themed around ‘Nature Positive Recycling’ and brought together key stakeholders from the automotive industry to discuss sustainable practices in a rapidly growing sector.
In his address, Yadav praised SIAM for initiating important discussions on circularity amidst the expanding automotive market in India, which has now become the third-largest globally in passenger vehicle sales. He emphasised the need to align the growth of this sector with environmental sustainability. Drawing inspiration from nature’s flawless recycling systems, he noted, “Nobody recycles like Nature.” He remarked that while humans may never match the scale of natural production, nature operates without producing any waste. “As we take pride in our manufacturing abilities, let us also take a humbling lesson from Mother Nature in managing waste,” he urged the gathering.
The Minister further highlighted the critical importance of transitioning to a circular economy, describing it as an imperative for India’s future. He outlined the three key benefits of circularity:
Economic Growth: By reducing dependence on raw materials, circularity helps lower production costs.
Environmental Sustainability: It minimises harm to ecosystems and reduces emissions.
Social Impact: Circularity can foster green jobs and encourage more sustainable practices.
Yadav also lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his leadership in instilling a ‘Can-do’ spirit within the government. Under PM Modi’s guidance, he noted, India is not merely focused on managing waste but is actively working to unlock its value, turning “Waste to Wealth.”
The Minister urged SIAM and the automotive sector to lead the way in embracing a circular economy. He called on industry leaders to incorporate recyclable designs in their products, promote sustainability in dealership operations, and raise consumer awareness about responsible consumption and disposal. Yadav ended his address by reiterating the dual responsibility of the automotive sector: to foster economic growth while ensuring environmental sustainability. He also encouraged participation in initiatives like the ‘Ek Ped Ma Ke Naam’ campaign, emphasising the importance of afforestation in mitigating air pollution.
In his remarks, Yadav’s vision was clear: for India’s automotive sector to grow in harmony with nature, creating a future that is economically prosperous, environmentally sustainable, and socially inclusive.