Bengaluru, Jan 21 (.) India’s machine tool industry is on a path to significant growth over the next decade, driven by expansion in key manufacturing sectors such as automobiles, electronics, defense, aerospace, and a thriving startup ecosystem.
Industry leaders said the country is steadily transitioning from import dependence to becoming a global player in high-precision and high-tech machine tools.
Speaking on the sector’s long-term outlook, Jamshyd Godrej, Chairman of Godrej & Boyce, highlighted that India’s growing manufacturing base is creating robust demand for machine tools.
“Over the next 10 years, as industries like automobiles, electronics, defense, and aerospace continue to expand, the demand for machine tools will remain strong. The startup ecosystem is increasingly vibrant, contributing further to this growth,” he told reporters, replying to an . query at IMTEX Forming 2026.
However, Godrej noted that the availability of skilled manpower is the biggest challenge. “While setting up factories and acquiring equipment is manageable, finding trained operators and engineers is difficult, which could limit the industry’s expansion,” he said.
He also pointed out that most machine tool companies are small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), making them cautious about large-scale investments due to historical industry cycles.
Despite these challenges, the industry is witnessing technological progress and increased global collaboration. Certain critical components, such as controls, ball screws, and precision guides, are still imported, but domestic capabilities are improving.
“No country is fully self-sufficient in machine tools; imports and exports coexist in every major market. Strengthening domestic capabilities while remaining open to trade will ensure a resilient and vibrant industry,” Godrej added.
Addressing the challenge of dependence on imported high-end machines, Godrej said Indian manufacturers are gradually building the capability to produce advanced machinery domestically.
“The Indian Machine Tool Manufacturers’ Association (IMTMA) supports companies in technology development and scaling up capabilities, while government R&D funding fosters innovation and new high-tech solutions,” he said.
He also noted that Indian companies are already exporting sophisticated machines to the US, Germany, and Japan, demonstrating growing technical expertise.
The development of indigenous high-tech solutions in precision and automation is another area of focus.
“Companies like Godrej are actively designing and manufacturing advanced machinery domestically, reducing reliance on imports. The growth of mobile phone manufacturing in India, with companies like Apple setting up production, has created a ripple effect, gradually localizing components previously imported,” he said.
Godrej highlighted that sectors like aerospace and defense, which were previously nascent, are now seeing significant private sector participation.
“The entire supply chain is maturing, enabling more high-precision and specialized equipment to be produced domestically,” he added.
He cited the success of Indian measuring instrument companies, which have developed machines and tools that meet global standards.
In addition, Indian companies are acquiring foreign machine tool firms in Europe, Canada, and the US, which helps access advanced technology and strengthens domestic capabilities.
“Over time, the industry is moving from import-dependent to self-reliant while remaining globally competitive. With government support, industry collaboration, and continued R&D investment, India is gradually building a robust ecosystem for high-tech solutions in precision and automation,” Godrej said.
Industry experts said the machine tool sector, considered strategic for India’s manufacturing ecosystem, will play a key role in supporting industrial growth, increasing exports, and integrating India further into global supply chains. With technological capabilities advancing and skill development ongoing, India is steadily positioning itself as a major global player in the machine tool industry.
. . .