India on 5-Year Path to Global Quality Standards: Venu Srinivasan
Venu Srinivasan says India needs a 5-year journey to build global trust and quality across all manufacturing sectors.
India is embarking on a critical five-year mission to transform its national reputation and meet international benchmarks for excellence. Venu Srinivasan, Chairman of the Indian Foundation for Quality Management (IFQM) and Chairman Emeritus of TVS Motor Company, emphasized that while certain sectors have made strides, the country as a whole must work to establish widespread trust and quality across all industries.
Speaking at the IFQM Symposium 2026 in New Delhi, Srinivasan noted that the nation is currently in the middle of a transformative period. "We are looking at a 3-5 year journey. We have just finished 3 years. We're looking at another 5-year journey to make some significant impact," he stated.
The Trust Gap in Indian Manufacturing
Despite successes in specific niches, Srinivasan pointed out a significant gap between individual product excellence and the collective perception of "Made in India." He observed that while some Indian products and services have reached high standards, the country does not yet automatically command a global reputation for reliability.
To bridge this gap, he argued that a fundamental shift in corporate mindset is required. The goal is to move beyond mere compliance and foster a deep-seated "culture of quality" within domestic enterprises. "We are uplifted by changing the culture of quality in our companies so that everybody in the company understands the customer, understands quality and will always do it exactly the way the customer wants," Srinivasan explained.
Automotive Sector Leads the Way
When analyzing which sectors are successfully meeting international expectations, the automotive industry emerged as a standout performer. Srinivasan attributed this success to the rigorous procurement standards set by major global players operating within India.
- Global Benchmarks: Companies supplying to giants like Toyota India, Suzuki India, or Hyundai India must adhere to global quality standards because these manufacturers maintain uniform quality requirements worldwide.
- The Supply Chain Challenge: While the top tier of the automotive industry is performing well, Srinivasan warned that this culture has not yet permeated deeper into the supply chain.
- The Cost of Inconsistency: He noted that when quality standards are missing at the third level of suppliers or in other consumer product sectors, it creates significant operational inefficiencies and places a heavy burden on both cost and quality.
Economic Outlook and Global Pressures
Shifting the conversation to the broader economic landscape, Srinivasan expressed optimism regarding the domestic market. He noted that festive season demand appears favorable and that automobile exports continue to show solid performance based on recent monthly data. Despite various global disruptions, he maintained that the Indian macroeconomy remains robust.
Regarding international trade, Srinivasan highlighted the importance of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). He expressed hope that current negotiations are being structured to provide more direct benefits to India by addressing skewed duties and ensuring reciprocal access for Indian outbound shipments.
Finally, addressing the geopolitical instability in West Asia, Srinivasan acknowledged the ripple effects on the industrial sector. He noted that rising input costs are a reality currently being faced by every industry player, creating a shared challenge across the manufacturing landscape.