Union Minister for Steel and Heavy Industries, HD Kumaraswamy, held an interactive meeting with Ambassadors and diplomatic representatives of key partner countries, inviting them to actively participate in Bharat Steel 2026, the flagship international conference-cum-exhibition of the Ministry of Steel scheduled for April 2026.The meeting saw strong participation from representatives of countries that play a significant role in the global steel value chain. It formed part of the Ministry’s broader outreach efforts to deepen international cooperation and strengthen India’s engagement with major steel-producing and steel-consuming nations.Addressing the gathering, HD Kumaraswamy welcomed the Ambassadors and noted that their presence reflected the importance India attaches to trusted global partnerships. He said India’s steel sector today mirrors the country’s wider economic transformation and has emerged as a key pillar of growth, resilience and global integration.The Minister highlighted that India is the world’s second-largest steel producer, a position achieved through sustained reforms, steady investments and a long-term vision focused on modernisation, self-reliance and sustainability. He said the steel sector contributes about 2.5 per cent to India’s GDP and supports nearly 2.8 million livelihoods, with demand driven by infrastructure expansion, manufacturing growth and strategic sectors such as defence and mobility.Referring to the National Steel Policy 2017, H.D. Kumaraswamy said India is progressing towards a steel capacity of 300 million tonnes by 2030 and an ambitious 500 million tonnes by 2047. Against this backdrop, he announced the institutionalisation of Bharat Steel as an annual global event, with the first edition to be held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.Bharat Steel 2026 is envisioned as a global platform bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, investors and technology providers. Key features will include a Reverse Buyer–Seller Meet and discussions on green steel, sustainability, circular economy, technology innovation and global supply chains. The Minister urged partner countries to participate actively and associate as partner nations to strengthen long-term collaboration in the global steel sector.