Uno Minda Chairman Backs India-China EV Tech Collaboration

Nirmal Kumar Minda, Executive Chairman of Uno Minda said that India must collaborate with China on electric vehicle (EV) technology for the next five to ten years, as long as national security and sovereignty are not compromised.

He highlighted that China leads the EV industry globally, and India should leverage this leadership in the short term while building local capabilities for the long term.

Minda noted that de‑risking from China is not simple, as nearly 40% of vehicles made there are electric and China dominates rare‑earth permanent magnets (REPMs) needed for traction motors. India faces supply constraints after China restricted REPM exports earlier this year. He stressed that India’s EV growth requires strategic engagement rather than isolation.

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He proposed a phased approach: engage with China on batteries, powertrains, and ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) now, while investing in domestic R&D, localisation, and manufacturing so India becomes self‑reliant over five to ten years. “For the short term, we need to work with them…have next‑generation technology and are cost‑effective,” Minda said.

Uno Minda has already taken steps by forming a joint venture with China’s Suzhou Inovance Automotive to produce high‑voltage EV powertrain components—e‑axles, motors, inverters, and charging units—in India. Meanwhile, India’s component export market faces challenges: China is India’s largest import market for components, and the US is the biggest export destination, with tariffs of 25‑50% on Indian auto parts adding pressure to diversify.

Minda urged both governments to resolve issues diplomatically while keeping national security non‑negotiable. “India and the US should sit together and find a solution—but not at the cost of national security.” For Indian auto component makers aiming to capture global value chains in EVs, this dual path of short‑term collaboration with China and long‑term self‑reliance may define the next phase of industry growth.