India’s journey to becoming a global manufacturing powerhouse hinges on continuous quality improvement, digital integration, and proactive quality management, according to a new Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) study.
The report, titled “Raising the Standard: Quality Transformation of Indian Manufacturing,” underscores the need for a quality-first approach to boost global competitiveness, build credibility, and secure India’s leadership in international markets.
As the third and final installment of the CII Manufacturing Competitiveness Study, the report identifies quality as a strategic differentiator, helping Indian manufacturers enhance customer trust, brand reputation, and market access. It highlights how industries such as Automotive and Chemicals are leading the way by adopting global quality standards and certifications, while Capital Goods and FMCG sectors are aligning with international benchmarks to increase exports and revenue growth.
Challenges for Indian Manufacturers
Despite progress, the study flags critical challenges, particularly for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). High implementation costs, limited access to advanced technology, and a shortage of skilled labor remain major roadblocks. Additionally, ambiguities in national standards and gaps in testing infrastructure hinder consistent quality across industries.
To overcome these hurdles, the report calls for targeted investments in technology to enhance manufacturing precision; Comprehensive upskilling initiatives to develop a highly trained workforce; Alignment with global standards to facilitate market access; Robust Quality Management Plans (QMPs) to minimize defects and improve product consistency and Stronger vendor management to maintain supply chain integrity.
Industry Leaders Weigh In
Deepak Shetty, Chairman of the Council on Manufacturing Excellence, CII, and CEO & MD, JCB India Limited, emphasized that quality is the backbone of a sustainable and resilient manufacturing ecosystem. “This report provides a roadmap for quality transformation, highlighting key drivers and strategies to help Indian manufacturing achieve world-class standards in a competitive global marketplace,” he said.
Deepak Jain, Co-Chair of the Council on Manufacturing Excellence, CII, and Chairman, Lumax Group, reinforced the importance of quality as a driver of customer trust, brand equity, and operational efficiency. “Industry leaders increasingly recognize that quality is the cornerstone of long-term market access,” he added.
CII’s Vision for Quality-Driven Growth
Chandrajit Banerjee, Director General, CII, highlighted the growing global expectations for quality and compliance. “In today’s marketplace, where standards are continually rising, quality is not just about product reliability but a strategic factor shaping India’s global competitiveness,” he noted.
As India aspires to emerge as a trusted global manufacturing hub, CII is committed to fostering a quality-centric culture across all levels of industry—from large-scale manufacturers to SMEs. The industry body aims to work closely with the government and stakeholders to bridge gaps in standards, promote advanced technologies, and elevate India’s reputation as a producer of world-class goods.
By prioritizing quality, Indian manufacturers will not only enhance their competitive edge but also establish themselves as leaders in the global supply chain, the study concluded.
