ISSDA e GSSE annunciano una partnership strategica.

Gli obiettivi includono l'espansione dell'applicazione dell'acciaio inossidabile sul mercato interno e la promozione delle migliori pratiche a livello globale.

di Prerna Mistry

A strategic partnership between the Indian Stainless Steel Development Association (ISSDA) and the Global Stainless Steel Expo (GSSE), organized by Virgo Communications and Exhibitions, was announced on June 30 in Mumbai. The focus will be on strengthening policy dialogue, promoting best global practices, expanding domestic applications of stainless steel (SS), facilitating international collaborations and curating a comprehensive knowledge-sharing platform during the fourth edition of the GSSE to be held on September 16-18, 2027, in Mumbai.

During the announcement conference, industry leaders expressed confidence that the collaboration would help accelerate SS adoption across infrastructure, construction, mobility, energy and manufacturing sectors while supporting India's ambition to become a global hub for advanced SS production.

Technical Expertise Combined With a Global Business Platform

Addressing the gathering, Anitha Raghunath, managing director, Virgo Communications and Exhibitions (P) Ltd., said the collaboration between ISSDA and GSSE would strengthen the industry's collective efforts by combining technical expertise with a global business platform. She said:

"ISSDA brings knowledge, technical expertise and industry leadership, while GSSE provides the platform to connect manufacturers, users, technology providers and policymakers. Together, we aim to promote wider adoption of SS across sectors, encourage knowledge sharing and create new opportunities for industry growth in India and overseas."

Enabling the Process of Building Durable, Sustainable Assets

Rajamani Krishnamurti, president, ISSDA, pointed out that with the government's continued focus on infrastructure, railways, urban development, renewable energy and manufacturing, SS can play a transformative role in building durable, sustainable assets while generating employment and investments.

Krishnamurti said India has the manufacturing capability and technical expertise to emerge as a global SS powerhouse, but requires policy support to unlock its full potential. He said:

"The SS industry today faces two major challenges: cheap imports and the absence of a dedicated policy framework. SS continues to be treated under the broader steel category despite having distinct manufacturing processes, raw material requirements and end-use applications. A separate 'National Stainless Steel Policy' is essential to ensure raw material security, encourage investments and enable India to become a leading global producer of value-added SS."

Highlighting corrosion as a silent economic burden, Krishnamurti said India loses nearly 4% of its GDP, estimated at around ₹12 lakh crore annually, due to corrosion-related damage across public infrastructure, transportation, industrial assets and utilities. He added:

"Much of this loss is avoidable. A national anti-corrosion policy will encourage life-cycle-based infrastructure planning and the adoption of corrosion-resistant materials, particularly in India's vast coastal regions where SS offers significantly longer service life and lower maintenance costs. Investing in the right material at the construction stage is far more economical than repeatedly replacing damaged infrastructure."

Krishnamurti said SS is emerging as the preferred material for sectors such as green hydrogen, ethanol, water infrastructure, ports, bridges, coastal construction and specialized engineering applications, making it strategically important for India's long-term industrial and sustainability goals.

Engaging More Effectively With Policymakers on Key Issues

Rajeev Garg, group head — Marketing and Sales, Jindal Stainless Ltd., said the partnership comes at a crucial time when the domestic industry requires a stronger collective voice to address policy issues and protect investments. He said:

"India is already the world's second-largest consumer of SS, but our per capita consumption remains significantly below the global average. At the same time, rising imports from countries such as China, Vietnam and others continue to put pressure on domestic manufacturers. A platform like this will enable the industry to engage more effectively with policymakers on issues such as unfair imports, raw material security, life-cycle-based infrastructure planning and sustainable industrial growth.”

Garg added that although SS accounts for only a small share of India’s overall steel production by volume, it contributes significantly in terms of value addition, sustainability, durability and life-cycle savings, warranting greater policy recognition.

Taking a Hat-Trick of Successful Editions Forward

GSSE has been bringing together all the stakeholders of the SS sector under one roof with successful editions in 2022, 2023 and 2025. The expo opens doors to new avenues and business opportunities for exhibitors and visitors alike, with the summit being a melting pot of innovative ideas and a knowledge hub.

With cutting-edge innovations, strategic dialogues and future-forward collaborations, GSSE showcases the sector’s growth potential, sustainability focus and role in nation-building. The Stainless Today Summit welcomes manufacturers, policymakers, suppliers, buyers and thought leaders from across the SS value chain to take part in networking, sourcing, learning and much more.

A Very Significant Event for the VT industry

The first three editions of the event have witnessed participation from many exhibitors and visitors related to the vertical-transportation (VT) industry — and with good reason. SS is extensively utilized in many facets, from the structure of the elevator car to the handrails inside it. Other VT components that use SS include the beams above the car (the crosshead); the sling extending down and the guide rollers or guide shoes attached above and below it; springs inside that help regulate the speed; wire ropes; and the landing operating panel (LOP) and car operating panel (COP). Load-bearing steel shafts are preferred for maximizing usage of limited available space, combining functionality and aesthetics.

Similarly, SS plays a key role in the steps used in escalators and moving walks, as well as the decking and balustrades. From quick and hassle-free installation to eliminating rust, SS is an element that incorporates multiple benefits to all stakeholders involved, from real estate and infrastructure developers to the maintenance teams and end users.

Automobile manufacturers and the railway system, along with construction and infrastructure, remain the biggest consumers of SS globally. SS is often used in the treatment and design of the external façade of buildings. It is one of the preferred materials for construction of load-bearing structures, supporting components and fittings, bridges and other utilities such as flyovers, elevated roads, metro lines, etc., most of which are strong demand drivers for the VT industry.

As the SS sector continues to evolve, GSSE will continue to remain pivotal in driving collective progress and fostering a unified vision for India’s industrial advancement and for the VT industry, as well.