India’s die and mould industry is witnessing a remarkable transformation driven by rapid industrial growth, increasing demand for precision manufacturing, and the adoption of advanced technologies. Sectors such as automotive, electronics, aerospace, medical devices, and construction are increasingly relying on sophisticated tooling solutions, creating strong opportunities for Indian manufacturers. At the forefront of this transformation is TAGMA India, which continues to play a vital role in strengthening the country’s tooling ecosystem through technology promotion, skill development, and industry collaboration.
In this exclusive interaction, Devaraya M Sheregar shares his views on the evolving dynamics of the tooling industry, emerging growth trends, skill development initiatives, import substitution, global competitiveness, and the roadmap for India’s die & mould sector by 2030.
How is TAGMA evolving to meet the changing dynamics of advanced manufacturing and global competition?
The changing dynamics of advanced manufacturing and global competition present both significant challenges and exciting opportunities for the Indian tooling industry. Over the last few years, TAGMA India has proactively transformed itself from a conventional industry association into a dynamic platform focused on building a stronger ecosystem for Indian tool makers.
Our approach is centred around three major pillars — technology adoption, skill development, and global readiness. We are actively promoting next-generation technologies such as automation, precision machining, additive manufacturing, and smart manufacturing solutions through various initiatives and industry platforms.
One of our flagship initiatives is the Die & Mould India International Exhibition (DMI). The upcoming 14th edition of DMI 2026, scheduled from 21st to 24th April 2026 at the Bombay Exhibition Centre in Mumbai, will showcase the latest advancements in CNC machining, automation, CAD/CAM/CAE technologies, EDM, and 3D printing. The exhibition will bring together tool makers, OEMs, machine manufacturers, automation experts, and international participants under one roof.
At the same time, TAGMA is continuously working to improve the export potential of Indian tool makers by facilitating knowledge exchange, buyer-seller interactions, and stronger global networking opportunities. Our vision is to position India not merely as a cost-competitive destination, but as a globally preferred partner for high-quality dies, moulds, and precision tooling.
What are the key priorities on your agenda for the next 3–5 years?
Our key priorities over the next three to five years are focused on strengthening the Indian tooling ecosystem through wider adoption of advanced manufacturing technologies, accelerated skill development, and enhanced global competitiveness.
We are placing strong emphasis on promoting automation, smart tooling, precision manufacturing, and additive technologies across the industry. At the same time, we strongly encourage early-stage collaboration between tool makers and OEMs during product design and development. This approach will help reduce India’s dependency on imported tooling solutions while improving domestic manufacturing capabilities.
Another major focus area is workforce upskilling. We are committed to creating effective platforms for knowledge sharing, technical learning, and business networking to help Indian manufacturers remain globally competitive. Through these initiatives, we aim to build a future-ready tooling industry capable of serving both domestic and international markets efficiently.
The Indian die & mould industry is witnessing rapid transformation. What growth trends are you currently observing?
The Indian dies and moulds market is currently experiencing strong growth, driven by increasing industrial activity in sectors such as automotive, electronics, construction, and engineering. The demand for high-precision components is encouraging manufacturers to adopt advanced tooling systems and superior-grade materials like specialised tool steel and aluminum alloys.
The market is expected to witness double-digit growth between 2026 and 2030, creating substantial opportunities for tooling manufacturers and technology providers. One of the most important trends we are observing is the growing adoption of simulation technologies and computer-aided engineering (CAE) solutions.
Today, manufacturers are increasingly using digital twin technologies and simulation software to optimise mould designs, improve cooling channel performance, minimise material wastage, and shorten development cycles. For example, automotive manufacturers can now simulate the injection moulding process for dashboard components and identify potential defects before manufacturing the actual tool. This significantly improves efficiency while reducing cost and production time.
One of the biggest challenges is skilled manpower. How is TAGMA addressing the skill gap in the tooling sector?
Skilled manpower continues to remain one of the biggest challenges for the tooling industry, especially with the rapid adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies and advanced manufacturing processes. TAGMA India is actively addressing this issue through multiple skill development initiatives and training programs.
We have introduced computer-based training (CBT) modules at the NTTF-TAGMA Library in Bangalore, which provide accessible learning resources in CAD/CAM, precision machining, tooling design, and manufacturing technologies. We also conduct industry surveys to identify skill gaps and collaborate with tool rooms and training centres to design industry-specific training programs.
Additionally, TAGMA has launched a dedicated skill development initiative called the “Tooling Academy,” where subject experts conduct specialised workshops and technical training sessions. These initiatives are helping MSMEs strengthen their technical capabilities, reduce dependency on imported technologies, and prepare a highly skilled workforce for sectors such as automotive, electronics, and precision engineering.
What changes would you like to see in terms of import substitution and “Make in India” initiatives?
To strengthen import substitution under the “Make in India” initiative, it is essential to involve Indian tool makers at the early stages of product design and development alongside OEMs. Early collaboration will enable domestic manufacturers to develop high-precision tooling solutions that meet international quality standards while reducing reliance on imports.
There is also a strong need for policy support in areas such as technology upgradation, modernisation of tool rooms, and the creation of common facility centres. Such initiatives can significantly improve the competitiveness of Indian tooling companies.
Long-term contracts and incentives for indigenisation of critical tooling components would further accelerate the development of a self-reliant and globally competitive die & mould industry in India.
How do you assess India’s competitiveness compared to global leaders like Germany, Japan, and China?
India’s die & mould industry has made significant progress in terms of cost competitiveness, manufacturing scale, and responsiveness to domestic demand, especially in sectors like automotive and electronics. Indian manufacturers today offer advantages in lead times and adaptability for medium-volume production requirements.
However, compared to global leaders such as Germany and Japan, India still faces challenges in ultra-high precision manufacturing, advanced automation, process reliability, and large-scale export capabilities. Germany and Japan continue to lead in complex multi-cavity moulds and ultra-precision tooling, while China dominates through high-volume manufacturing and faster delivery capabilities.
India’s future growth will depend on how effectively we bridge these gaps through faster technology adoption, continuous skill enhancement, and deeper integration with OEMs and global supply chains.
Could you share some of the key initiatives and programs TAGMA is currently driving?
TAGMA India is actively driving several initiatives to support the growth and modernisation of the Indian tooling industry. One of the biggest platforms is Die & Mould India 2026, which will showcase innovations in CNC machining, additive manufacturing, CAD/CAM/CAE, EDM, and 3D printing technologies.
We are also organising the TAGMA International Tooling Summit, which promotes global networking, knowledge exchange, and technology adoption among industry stakeholders.
Apart from this, initiatives such as Tooling Academy, ToolTalk, and TAGMA Times are helping promote technical learning, industry awareness, and skill development across the tooling ecosystem. These efforts are aimed at improving quality standards, increasing technology adoption, and enhancing the global competitiveness of Indian tool makers.
Where do you see the Indian die & mould industry by 2030?
By 2030, I believe the Indian die & mould industry will emerge as a strong global player with significantly improved precision capabilities, wider adoption of automation and additive manufacturing, and deeper integration into global supply chains.
The industry is expected to witness reduced dependence on imported tooling, higher export contribution, and improved quality standards.
Early collaboration between tool makers and OEMs, combined with continued focus on technology upgradation and skill development, will play a crucial role in this transformation. India has tremendous potential to become a preferred global destination for high-quality, cost-competitive dies, moulds, and precision tooling solutions. Through its various initiatives and industry-building efforts, TAGMA India will continue contributing towards strengthening the future of Indian manufacturing.