India, Europe Must Unite for AI-Driven Automotive Tech: Nasscom
Nasscom's Kishor Patil calls for a strategic India-Europe alliance in AI-driven automotive technology to dominate the global vehicle market.
The future of the global automotive landscape may depend on a strategic alliance between the East and the West. Kishor Patil, the Vice Chairperson of Nasscom, has called for India and Europe to deepen their cooperation in AI-driven automotive technology, software, and engineering to co-create the next generation of vehicles and maintain a competitive edge in the global market.
Speaking at ELIV 2026, a prestigious international automotive electronics conference held in Baden-Baden, Germany, Patil emphasized that the relationship between the two regions needs to evolve. He argued that the traditional "supplier-client" dynamic is no longer sufficient for the complexities of modern mobility.
Beyond the Supplier Relationship
Patil advocated for a long-term, strategic partnership that focuses on three core pillars: joint research, collaborative technology development, and the shared creation of intellectual property. He pointed out that the coming decade will favor ecosystems that leverage complementary strengths rather than regions attempting to be entirely self-sufficient.
The synergy is clear: Europe possesses world-class automotive engineering and manufacturing prowess, while India provides a massive pool of AI talent, software expertise, and engineering resources capable of operating at an immense scale.
The Numbers: A Global Powerhouse
The scale of the potential partnership is backed by staggering projections. According to data cited by Patil, the combined strength of India and Europe could lead to:
- 23.1 million new-car sales by the year 2035, which would constitute nearly one-fourth of all global sales.
- Combined vehicle exports potentially surpassing 7.5 million units.
This massive market size presents a golden opportunity for shared manufacturing partnerships and expanded access to international markets, making the collaboration a financial and strategic imperative.
From Software-Defined to AI-Defined Vehicles
A critical shift is currently underway in the industry. Patil highlighted the transition from "software-defined vehicles" to "AI-defined vehicles." In this new era, artificial intelligence will not just be a feature but will be central to:
- The initial design of the vehicle.
- The development of complex software.
- Rigorous testing and validation processes.
Key Areas for Future Cooperation
To achieve this vision, Patil identified several high-priority sectors where India and Europe must align their efforts:
- Semiconductors: Ensuring a stable and innovative chip supply.
- Batteries: Developing sustainable and efficient energy storage.
- Cybersecurity: Protecting connected vehicles from digital threats.
- Automotive AI: Integrating intelligence into every aspect of the driving experience.
- Factory Robotics: Modernizing the assembly line with smart automation.
- Autonomous Mobility: Perfecting self-driving technologies.
The ELIV 2026 conference, which took place on October 14-15, featured a partnership with Nasscom specifically designed to bridge the gap between Europe's established automotive giants and India's thriving technology ecosystem.