The Indian Forging Industry has always been a major growth driver of the Indian manufacturing sector and is one of the important industries for the success of automobile, power sector and general engineering in the country. The Association of Indian Forging Industry (AIFI) is the umbrella organisation of the forging Industry in India with more than 200 members across India. Its members’ products include rough forgings and/or machined/finished parts like Crankshafts, Connecting Rods, Camshafts, Shifted Fork, Steering Components, Crown Propeller Shafts, Gear Box Components; Crown Wheel and Pinions, Front Axle Beams, Rear Axle Shafts, Earth Moving Link, Suspension parts, CV joint parts , Braking parts ,Auto electrical components , Railway Wheel , Flanges/Pipe Fittings, Industrial Valves etc. The forging industry, which is a major supplier to the auto companies and a critical industry that generates employment, has been continuously plagued with incessantly rising industrial fuel and steel prices resulting in rising input costs and shrinking margins.

Vikas Bajaj, Managing Director and CEO Bajaj Motors and President AIFI Shared that this landmark event, held at The Westin Pune Koregaon Park, by AIFI has set a new benchmark with 800 plus delegates, for the forging industry in India, making it the largest national gathering of industry leaders and professionals of the forging industry globally. A special note of thanks to the AIFI staff members for their hard work in the successful holding of the event. 

He further stated that ForgeTech India 2023, witnessed a remarkable display of enthusiasm and support from the Indian forging industry, serving as a testament to the sector's resilience and continuous growth. The event was inaugurated by Baba Kalyani, Chairman and Managing Director of Bharat Forge, provided an exceptional platform for knowledge exchange, networking, and fostering collaborative endeavors within the industry.

Bajaj stated that ForgeTech India 2023 was made possible through the support of various sponsors, with Inductotherm leading as the Title Sponsor, notable companies such as JSW Steel, SLR Metaliks, Arjas Steel amongst others, contributed significantly to the success of the event.

As ForgeTech India 2023 came to a close, he reiterated AIFI’s commitment to advancing the forging industry's development and fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and excellence. 

Baba Kalyani Chairman and Managing Director Bharat Forge Limited, in his address to the audience, shared his insights on the trajectory of the forging industry in India, remarking, “ForgeTech India 2023 has highlighted the remarkable strides made by the Indian forging industry, underscoring the industries potential for exponential growth and global recognition. Amidst the dynamic shifts in the manufacturing sector initiated by the government of India through strategic policy changes, to drive upwards the contribution of the manufacturing sector from the present 16% to 25% of GDP, these will create a thriving environment for innovation and technological advancements and exponential growth within the forging industry. India's manufacturing sector holds immense potential to become a global powerhouse further creating opportunities for us, as an industry to capitalise upon.  Embracing the evolving global landscape, marked by energy transition, AI, and supply chain transformations, is vital. The ongoing reforms under 'Make in India,' especially in the defense sector, have effectively paved the way for private enterprises to excel on a level playing field.”

He also highlighted the lost opportunities to rival nations and advocated the initiation of reforms at the state level besides the national level to enable the Indian Manufacturing Sector to derive full benefit of the opportunities available due to the changing global geopolitical environment.

held during the inaugural session, shared his perspective on the imminent industry disruptions, which not only sparked a profound transformation in the dialogue of panel discussions but also challenged conventional thinking.  He highlighted India's ability to navigate disruptive changes - particularly in the age of electric vehicles, struck a chord with all the delegates present – particularly his emphasises on the necessity of nurturing new talent to keep pace with our thriving economy.

Yash Munot, CEO of Varsha Forgings, Vice President AIFI and Convenor for ForgeTech India 2023 expressed his vision for the industry, stating “As the Convenor of ForgeTech India, my aspiration was to create a landmark event that would serve as a benchmark not only for future ForgeTech gatherings but for all forging events in India. ForgeTech India 2023 has reinforced the paramount role of collaboration and innovation in propelling the forging industry forward. I eagerly anticipate nurturing a culture of excellence and advancement within both the AIFI and the forging sector as a whole.

Forgetech 2023 has achieved an unprecedented benchmark solidifying its stature as the foremost national conference and convention for the forging industry in India. This accomplishment positions it as the most significant congregation of professionals and leaders in the Indian forging domain. This year's event not only showcased the industry's current accomplishments but also laid a robust foundation for its future growth and enhanced global competitiveness. I hold the utmost confidence that the collaborative initiatives launched during ForgeTech India 2023 will continue to steer the forging industry toward sustained success well into the future.”

Asheet Pasricha, Co-Convenor for ForgeTech India 2023, Director of AIFI, expressed his gratitude upon receiving this year's Forgemaster’s Award. He said, “It is an absolute honor to be recognised by the industry through the Forgemaster’s Award. I am deeply grateful for this acknowledgment and remain committed to contributing to the growth and development of the Indian forging industry”. He further shared that the contributions of Late Yogiraj Makar, a founding member of AIFI, Jinendra Munot, Avinash Gupta, R S Reddy, P Ramachandra Rao contributions were also recognised along with him. Forgetech has played a pivotal role in fostering a culture of innovation and excellence within the forging sector. The event's emphasis on technological advancements and collaborative initiatives has significantly contributed to the advancement and global recognition of India's forging industry.

“I am proud to be a part of an event that continues to push the boundaries of excellence and sets new benchmarks for the forging industry in our country."

He also acknowledged the contribution of all the members of the Organising Committee, particularly that of Yash Munot Convenor ForgeTech, Vikas Bajaj President AIFI who has been an anchor for AIFI during the pandemic and stated that he looked forward to Yash Munot continuing AIFI’s ever-important work when he takes over the presidentship of AIFI next year. 

AIFI has been the spokes body of the Indian Forging Industry for over four decades. It has played a major role in encouraging proactive dialogue between all the relevant stakeholders like the industry and Government (both in terms of suggestions for policy making and problem-solving), as also between the industry and the market (User industries — domestic and global customers.) India is the 2nd largest producer of forgings globally next to China.