India, Sept. 30 -- Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said on Wednesday that India's automotive industry has the potential to become the largest in the world, describing it as a key engine of economic growth.

"This industry is the backbone of the economy. My dream is to make this industry number one in the world....[At present] Number one is the US, and second is China. India is the third," Gadkari said.

He noted that India's automotive sector contributes Rs.22.75 lakh crore to the economy, underscoring its central role in the country's economic growth and industrial ecosystem.

Gadkari made the remarks at the inaugural HT Auto Leaderboard Awards 2026 that sought to recognise the vehicles, people and innovations shaping India's automotive ind...