The International Tooling Summit (ITS) 2025, one of the most prominent gatherings for the die, mould, and toolmaking industry, began today at the JW Marriott Hotel, Pune. Organized by the Tool & Gauge Manufacturers Association of India (TAGMA India), the two-day event on August 12–13 brings together global experts, manufacturers, and stakeholders from across the tooling sector. This year marks 9th edition of ITS and the theme this year is, ‘Capability to Credibility – Transforming the Indian Tool Room’, focusing on strengthening India’s position in the global tooling landscape through innovation, quality, and collaboration.
Launched in 2016, ITS has become a dedicated platform for industry professionals in India’s ₹23,600 crore tooling sector. With 34% of domestic demand still met through imports from countries like China and South Korea, the summit plays an important role in fostering collaboration, encouraging innovation, and addressing industry challenges. The summit began with an auspicious lamp-lighting ceremony. The welcome address was delivered by Mr. Devaraya M Sheregar, President, TAGMA India and the Chief Guest of the summit was, Mr. Deepak Thukral, Executive Officer Supply Chain, Maruti Suzuki India Ltd.
The Keynote address was delivered by Mr. Gopalakrishnan T S, Director, Multiple Special Steel Pvt. Ltd., followed by a Vote of Thanks by Mr. D Shanmugasundaram, Vice President, TAGMA India
Guest of Honours for the summit included, Mr. Guruprasad Biswal, CEO – Aerospace ( Defence & Civil ), Bharat Forge Ltd; Mr. Tadashi Kasahara, General Manager, Advanced Robotics & Digitalisation Business Unit, MAKINO Asia Pte Ltd.; Mr. Sundar R, Vice President – Function Lead -Procurement, Hyundai Motors India and Mr. Krishna Sudheendran, Scientist-C / Deputy Director, Production and General Engineering Department, Bureau of Indian Standards.
TAGMA’s Vision for the Industry
While giving the welcome address, Mr. Sheregar, said, “Over the last few years, we have talked a lot about the opportunities in the tooling industry. Especially after COVID, we all saw how important local manufacturing is. Now, it’s not just about talking, it’s time to act and work together to grab these opportunities. Thanks to the automotive industry and the leaders present here, we Indian toolmakers have grown stronger. We thank you for the trust and support you have shown us. But now, it’s time to expand beyond just one sector.”
“TAGMA aims to move India’s tooling industry from 20th to 15th position in 3–4 years and into the top 10 within a decade. The plan includes upgrading 100 high-potential micro units into medium or large enterprises through better access to capital, skills, advanced machines, technology partnerships, and mentorship,”, Mr Sheregar added.
India’s Potential to Lead in Global Tooling
Speaking about how India’s tooling industry stands at an important stage, Mr. D Shanmugasundaram, Vice President, TAGMA India, said, “India has the talent, the demand, and the determination. By learning from China’s scale, the US’s innovation, and Europe’s precision and training, we can become a global leader in tooling. With your support, ‘Design and Make in India’ can truly become a success story recognised around the world. India has the talent, the demand, and the determination. By learning from China’s scale, the US’s innovation, and Europe’s precision and training, we can become a global leader in tooling. With your support, ‘Design and Make in India’ can truly become a success story recognised around the world. The future of manufacturing is being shaped now, and India has both the opportunity and the capability to lead.
While providing the Keynote address, Mr. Gopalakrishnan T S, Director, Multiple Special Steel Pvt. Ltd., emphasized that India’s tool-making sector can only rise to global leadership if OEMs and Tier-1 suppliers actively invest in its growth through capital infusion, advanced technology access, and strategic collaboration. “Capability gets us noticed, but credibility wins us the world,” he remarked, urging the industry to focus on consistent quality, timely delivery, and innovation. He also highlighted the need for large-scale skill development, adoption of global standards, and partnerships with international players, so Indian tools are not just competitive, but trend-setting, driving manufacturing excellence both at home and abroad.
Aerospace Tooling: The Next Big Leap
The Guest of Honours also has the privilege to deliver their thoughts during the summit. Stressing on the need to establish National Centres of Excellence, secure government and industry support, and act quickly to convert India’s capabilities into global credibility, Mr. Biswal, said, “India’s aerospace industry is projected to reach $70 billion by 2030, and the transition from automotive to aerospace tooling is a natural evolution. Our entrepreneurs have built world-class automotive tooling capabilities, and with 70% of the technologies overlapping, we have a clear opportunity to lead in aerospace tooling. Establishing National Centres of Excellence can further accelerate progress especially with our 1.5 million engineering graduates each year, competitive manufacturing costs, and strategic location connecting eastern and western markets.”
“The question is not whether India will succeed in aerospace tooling, but how quickly we can turn capability into global credibility. With TAGMA’s leadership, government support, and entrepreneurial innovation, we can position India as the aerospace tooling capital of the world. Let us choose boldly, act decisively, and build the industry our nation has long deserved,” Mr. Biswal further added
Global Market Outlook for Tooling
Highlighting that India which is now the world’s fourth-largest and fastest-growing economy is poised to play a pivotal role in the global tooling and gauging industry, Mr. Sundar R, pointed out that, the industry is valued at around USD 272 billion in 2024, the global tooling market is projected to reach USD 483 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 6.6%, with the automotive sector contributing over 52%. Asia-Pacific is witnessing the fastest growth due to high-volume production, Europe demands the highest precision, and North America leads in smart factory innovations. He noted that Industry 4.0, electric vehicle adoption, and supply chain diversification are reshaping tooling needs, making tools more intelligent, adaptive, and critical to manufacturing. “The momentum is here—precision, scalability, and collaboration will decide how strongly India claims its place as a global tooling leader,” he said.
Importance of Standards and Quality
Mr. Sudheendran, emphasized that standardization and conformity assessment are key to transforming India’s tool rooms from capability to credibility. He urged industry stakeholders to actively participate in formulating relevant, timely standards, ensuring Indian products meet global benchmarks, build buyer confidence, and strengthen the nation’s manufacturing reputation.
Summit Highlights and Participation
Over the two days, the summit will be attended by around 600 professionals. The Summit will also feature 4 panel discussion, 3 fireside chat and 12 technical session, exploring automation, digitalization, precision manufacturing, sustainable practices, and other key industry trends. With participation from over 500 delegates and more than 35 expert speakers in past editions, ITS continues to be a valuable networking and learning platform for the tooling community.
For sponsors and partners, ITS offers an opportunity to showcase capabilities, connect with decision-makers, and strengthen their presence in the fast-growing tooling market.
About TAGMA India
Founded in 1990, TAGMA India is the apex body representing the Indian tooling industry. With over 665 member companies across the country, it serves as a forum for stakeholders involved in designing, manufacturing, and selling dies, moulds, jigs, fixtures, gauges, CAD/CAM solutions, and related products. Headquartered in Bangalore with chapters in major industrial hubs, TAGMA India works to promote technology adoption, quality standards, and growth in the sector.
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