The Chairman and MD of Bharat Forge sat down for a candid discussion on navigating economic slowdowns, global challenges, and future growth. Despite murmurs of a perceived slowdown in the economy, he struck a confident tone, placing faith in India’s long-term trajectory.
“Slowdowns are inevitable,” he began. “Every economy faces ups and downs. A quarter or two of subdued growth is part of the game. What’s important is the bigger picture, and for us, that’s the Viksit Bharat roadmap of 2047 set by our Prime Minister. We’re aligned with that vision and focused on our growth spaces.”
On the global front, the leader acknowledged challenges but viewed them as opportunities. “Europe, particularly Germany, is facing a slowdown, but this opens doors for Indian manufacturers. Companies there are rethinking their strategies, exploring shifts to Asia. India stands out as the most attractive destination with our manpower, capacity, and technology. It’s an opportunity for us to take a larger share of global manufacturing.”
Domestically, Bharat Forge is betting big on India’s explosive growth potential. “The Indian economy is set to grow from $4 trillion to $20 trillion. There’s no market globally growing at this pace. The states are eager to attract investments, creating the perfect environment for businesses to thrive. With the right strategy, we can transform challenges into monumental opportunities.”
The conversation then turned to Bharat Forge’s recent capital raise through a Qualified Institutional Placement (QIP). “The funds will support our expansion plans. A part of it is earmarked for M&A activities, some for capacity building, and the rest for strengthening our global balance sheet by reducing debt. This positions us to scale sustainably while staying resilient.”
When probed about the much-anticipated M&A move, he shared a clear preference for the Indian market. “We’re looking at domestic companies first. The growth here is unparalleled, and it’s an ideal time to invest in opportunities that align with India’s economic trajectory. International markets like Vietnam and Malaysia have limitations in manpower and capacity, but India is uniquely positioned to deliver.”
The Chairman closed on an optimistic note, emphasizing Bharat Forge’s readiness to harness India’s momentum. “If we play our cards right, we won’t just weather these slowdowns—we’ll emerge stronger, seizing the opportunities they bring.”
In Bharat Forge’s vision, the slowdown isn’t a hurdle; it’s a stepping stone to a brighter future.
