The Aluminium Extrusion Manufacturers Association of India (ALEMAI) launched the ‘Aluminium Bharat’ initiative on April 7, 2026, in New Delhi. The initiative, formally unveiled by Shri Jitin Prasada, Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, aims to strengthen India’s aluminum ecosystem by addressing both domestic and global challenges impacting the sector.‘Aluminium Bharat’ will bring together policymakers, industry leaders, and global stakeholders to co-create a roadmap for sustainable growth. The initiative also includes ‘Aluminium Bharat 2026,’ India’s first comprehensive exhibition for the aluminum value chain, scheduled for September 26–29, 2026, in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. This exhibition will position India alongside global platforms like Aluminum China and Aluminum Düsseldorf, showcasing primary and downstream aluminum products.Shri Prasada emphasized the need to build resilient domestic manufacturing capabilities, saying, “The initiative, ‘Aluminium Bharat,’ is a statement of intent that India will move up the global value chain in aluminium manufacturing. We are committed to making Bharat a global hub for high-value aluminium products.”Mr. Jitendra Chopra, President of ALEMAI, highlighted the severe contraction in India’s midstream and downstream aluminium sectors, with production dropping by 40–50%. The sector is operating under stress, with utilization significantly below potential despite a strong installed capacity of 4.2 million tonnes.The industry faces challenges, including rising raw material and energy costs, exacerbated by geopolitical tensions in West Asia, impacting energy-intensive industries like aluminum. The limited availability of aluminium scrap, high input costs, and the influx of low-cost imports are eroding India’s competitiveness.The aluminium value chain supports over 10 lakh jobs in India, and strengthening the downstream sector is essential for advancing India’s $5 trillion economy and ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’ vision. Additionally, aluminium’s role in India’s circular economy and sustainability goals underscores its importance in the country's decarbonization and Net-Zero targets.