The Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) held the 14th India Minerals and Metals Forum in New Delhi, bringing together policy makers, industry leaders, and experts to discuss the future of green steel and the role of circular economy in shaping a sustainable path for the sector. The discussions focused on building a roadmap for low-emission steel production and highlighted the importance of structural and policy alignment to support this shift.
According to industry data, the global steel sector contributes between 7% and 9% of total CO₂ emissions. As the world’s second-largest steel producer, India is at a turning point where reducing emissions from steelmaking is essential, not only to meet national and global climate targets, but also to secure the long-term growth of the industry.
Participants explored approaches such as the integration of hydrogen-based steel production, low-carbon materials, and renewable energy into current systems, while acknowledging the practical and regulatory challenges involved. Case studies from other countries offered examples of how policy and innovation have enabled progress in green steel production, offering useful perspectives for India’s own transition.
Abhyuday Jindal, President of ICC and Managing Director of Jindal Stainless, said, “The shift to green steel is a transition, and adopting low-emission processes in production is the right starting point. The successful transition to green steel in some of the countries has been driven by supportive government policies. In India, national initiatives like the Green Hydrogen Mission will undoubtedly support our industry’s move in this direction. Platforms like the India Minerals & Metals Forum are crucial in turning intent into industry-wide action.”
Alok Sahay, Secretary General of the Indian Steel Association, said, “India’s steel industry stands at a pivotal juncture—driven by strong domestic demand, ambitious national infrastructure goals, and a firm commitment to sustainability. While global markets wrestle with overcapacity and protectionist measures, Indian steelmakers remain deeply rooted in the nation’s growth story, with exports being a by-product, not a focus.”
Sahay added, “To meet our vision of 500 million tonnes by 2047, we must ensure policy support, secure returns for investors, and promote green steel adoption through concrete regulatory mandates. Only then can we create a truly self-reliant and resilient steel ecosystem that supports India’s development and safeguards its future.”
V.R. Sharma, Vice Chairman of JSPL, added, “Green steel is not just a vision for tomorrow—it is a responsibility we must begin fulfilling today. While full-scale transformation will take decades, Indian steelmakers must lead with pragmatic steps: reducing emissions, conserving energy, and ensuring that at least 10% of all new capacity is based on green hydrogen and clean electricity.”
The forum included multiple sessions focused on topics such as decarbonising steel production, implementing circular economy practices, the impact of Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanisms (CBAM), and carbon footprints of non-ferrous metals. The event marked an important step towards aligning industry action with national climate priorities while addressing the operational and structural changes required for a low-carbon future.
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