Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, said on Monday that India’s electric vehicle (EV) market ranks third globally, with a market size of ₹22 lakh crore. He urged automobile manufacturers to strive to make India the global leader in EVs within the next five years, highlighting hydrogen as the fuel of the future and stressing the importance of developing domestic alternatives to imports through knowledge and technology.
Focus on Research and Education
Speaking at the 20th FICCI Higher Education Summit 2025, Gadkari emphasized the role of futuristic vision and research-based education in India’s growth. He called on higher education institutions to conduct region-specific research to address local challenges, stating, “Need-based, district-based, and state-based research is necessary at the practical grassroot level. Educational institutions should research and work on the requirements of particular district or state to get the desired results.”
Converting Knowledge into Wealth
The minister underlined the importance of turning knowledge into wealth through innovation, science, and technology. He said, “Upgradation of knowledge, relevance of knowledge along with development, and its cost-effective application is imperative. Innovation, entrepreneurship, science, technology, research, skill, and successful practices are all knowledge, and conversion of knowledge into wealth is the future.”
Sustainable Practices in Roads and Highways
Referring to the roads and highways sector, Gadkari highlighted the value of practical-based research in reducing costs and promoting a circular economy. He noted a government initiative aiming to use segregated solid waste in road construction by 2027, creating value from waste materials.
Strengthening India’s Workforce
Gadkari also pointed out that India’s young and skilled population is its biggest strength. He emphasized that providing the right education and skills will help India progress on the global stage.
Views from Higher Education Leaders
Dr. Vidya Yeravdekar, Chair of the FICCI Higher Education Committee, highlighted the importance of transnational education, noting that 14 Letters of Intent (LoIs) for foreign universities in India reflect a step toward internationalization.Lt Gen (Dr) M D Venkatesh, Co-Chair of the FICCI Higher Education Committee, stressed that higher education must integrate AI, digital learning, industry exposure, research collaboration, and global mobility, describing it as the future of global higher education.
