June 21, 2025 — With the global manufacturing landscape undergoing rapid digital transformation, Indian manufacturers are increasingly leveraging AI automation and international trade frameworks to sharpen their competitive edge. Speaking at the Singapore Super AI 2025 event, experts highlighted how India’s manufacturing sector is now poised for exponential growth, backed by a stable domestic market, a thriving tech ecosystem, and a surge in Free Trade Agreements (FTAs).
One of the standout voices at the event was Harshul Arora, founder and CEO of Noida-based Macgence, who emphasized the pivotal role artificial intelligence (AI) is playing in empowering Indian manufacturers—especially those in smaller cities.
Strong Domestic Base, Growing Global Reach
During a panel discussion, experts pointed out that India’s strong domestic market, combined with its resilient tech-driven ecosystem, is laying a powerful foundation for manufacturing growth. Add to that the increasing number of FTAs India is signing with global economies, and it becomes clear why international interest in “Make in India” is on the rise.
“The strong domestic market, the stability of the Indian ecosystem, and the potential of leveraging an increasing number of free trade agreements (FTAs) between India and international markets are all plus points for our manufacturing sector,” an expert highlighted during the event.
These FTAs reduce tariff barriers, open new markets for Indian products, and strengthen India’s position in global value chains. With the government pushing for Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) and schemes like PLI (Production-Linked Incentives), the timing couldn’t be better for Indian manufacturing to shine on the global stage.
AI Empowering Tier-II and Tier-III Manufacturers
While large manufacturing giants have long embraced automation, the real game-changer now lies in bringing AI solutions to small manufacturers, especially in Tier-II and Tier-III cities.
Harshul Arora, a 24-year-old entrepreneur, shared how his company Macgence, originally a language solutions provider, is now offering AI-driven training data to global AI companies. More importantly, they are helping small manufacturers by providing real-time translation tools that enable seamless communication with international clients.
“Small manufacturers in Tier-II and -III city regions are able to use AI to communicate with their clients—a real-time translation is offered to these small manufacturers to communicate in any language with clients,” said Harshul.
This technological leap is crucial because language barriers have traditionally restricted smaller players from tapping into global markets. Now, with AI-powered translation bridging that gap, these manufacturers can:
- Negotiate international deals confidently
- Expand to global markets
- Handle cross-border collaborations efficiently
“This will increase their communication skills and reach to global businesses as well as a large audience,” added Harshul.
Singapore Super AI 2025: A Global Platform for AI Innovation
The Singapore Super AI 2025 event saw over 7,000 participants from 100+ countries, bringing together thought leaders, tech entrepreneurs, government officials, and innovators from across the globe.
Topics ranged from AI in healthcare, climate solutions, and manufacturing, to AI ethics and data privacy. However, one of the biggest talking points was how AI automation is reshaping traditional industries like manufacturing—with India emerging as a leading example of this transformation.
For India, AI is no longer just about Silicon Valley startups or big-city unicorns. It’s about enabling the smallest workshop in Kanpur or a textile unit in Surat to pitch products to Europe, Africa, or Southeast Asia—all with the help of real-time, AI-powered tools.
The AI-Manufacturing Synergy: A Win-Win
The synergy between AI and manufacturing is not just about increasing production efficiency—it’s also about:
- Reducing costs through automation.
- Minimizing human error in processes.
- Enhancing supply chain transparency.
- Delivering personalized products to international buyers.
- Boosting export potential through easier global engagement.
For instance, predictive maintenance AI helps manufacturers prevent costly breakdowns of machinery, while AI-driven analytics optimize inventory management, saving both time and money.
The Road Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities
While the road ahead is promising, Indian manufacturers still face several challenges, including:
- Access to quality AI infrastructure in rural regions.
- Training manpower to operate AI-based systems.
- Cybersecurity concerns around data sharing globally.
- Navigating evolving international trade regulations.
However, the benefits outweigh the challenges. As more Indian startups focus on providing localized AI solutions, and as global trade continues to open up through FTAs, the manufacturing sector can confidently look forward to higher productivity and greater market access.
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