India emerging as major centre of auto sector: PM

New Delhi, Jan 29: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today assured the auto sector that his government would be a ''partner'' in its development, making India a global centre of automative industry.

Dr Singh announced the support while releasing the Automotive Mission Plan 2006-2016, the blue print for the growth of the sector.

The plan has been prepared by the Ministry of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises in collaboration with the Indian Automotive Industry.

The Prime Minister complimented the Indian Automotive Industry for the steps taken to improve the competitiveness of Indian brands.

He also congratulated Mr Ratan Tata and Mr Brijmohan Lal Munjal for their leadership in this regard.

In the light of growing global concern about climate change, the Prime Minister urged the Indian Automotive Industry to invest in energy efficient and environment friendly technologies.

He said developed countries must accept their due burden in this regard for they have been the biggest polluters.

Developing countries cannot be asked to take on the obligations of developed countries and must be helped in addressing the challenge of climate change, he said.

The Prime Minister urged Indian companies to think ahead and adopt fuel-efficient technologies to reduce the dependence on fossil fuels.

UNI