Industry leaders, tax experts and policymakers gathered at SIAM’s third Automotive Taxation Conference in New Delhi to shape a modern tax framework that supports innovation, investment and digital transformation amid shifting global rules.
The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers brought together industry executives, tax specialists and policy voices in New Delhi on August 6 for its third Automotive Taxation Conference, a forum designed to examine how India’s auto sector can adapt its tax system to faster digital change, shifting global rules and a more complex business environment. SIAM, the apex industry body for Indian automakers, said the meeting was intended to help shape a tax framework that supports growth, investment and easier compliance. It followed the body’s wider run of sector-focused events this year, including a February conference on sustainable circularity, underlining how taxation has become one of several strategic issues facing manufacturers.
Held under the theme “Bharat AutoTax: Steering Policy, Technology and Growth”, the conference focused on policy reform, digital transformation and international taxation trends. Discussions covered topics including transfer pricing, Pillar Two global minimum tax rules, tax deducted at source reforms, audits and dispute resolution. Sanjeev Agarwal, who heads SIAM’s direct tax group and is also head of taxation and customs at BMW India, said tax was no longer just about compliance and had become a strategic factor in investment, supply chains, risk management and stakeholder trust. Vivek Johri, senior adviser at KPMG India, said the changing automobile industry created an opportunity to align tax rules with the technologies and business models now shaping the sector.
Executives also urged a more collaborative approach between industry and government. Carsten Lammers, chief financial officer of BMW Group India, said tax teams had moved closer to the boardroom and argued that India’s rising middle class, stronger consumption and manufacturing base made the market a major opportunity. Arnab Roy, chief financial officer of Maruti Suzuki India, said the industry should build on the gains of “One Nation, One Tax” and move towards “One Nation, One Governance”, while calling for smoother credit transfer, quicker dispute resolution and stronger digital processes.
Technology featured prominently in the debate. Veeresh Prasad of Toyota Kirloskar Motor said artificial intelligence is changing tax work from routine processing to risk identification and early dispute prevention. Anil Sahani of Maruti Suzuki India said audits should become more collaborative and that litigation should remain a last resort. Sanjay Seth of Hero MotoCorp said the sector’s growth has changed the way companies price and manage transactions across global operations. The conference ended with participants signalling support for work with the government on a modern, internationally competitive tax system aimed at encouraging innovation, investment and longer-term economic growth.
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