The proposed National Steel Policy Vision 2047 seeks to introduce an AI-supported governance and advanced data analytics framework to detect abnormal import trends early, curb sub-standard steel inflows and strengthen the competitiveness of India’s domestic steel industry.
New Delhi, October 13 — The government’s draft National Steel Policy Vision 2047 has proposed an AI-powered import monitoring and governance framework aimed at identifying abnormal steel import trends at an early stage and protecting domestic producers from low-quality and unfair imports.
The draft recommends a three-pronged strategy focused on quality assurance, fair trade and domestic capability to reduce avoidable import dependence and strengthen the resilience and long-term competitiveness of India’s steel ecosystem.
The proposed policy is intended to replace or update the earlier National Steel Policy 2017, with greater emphasis on emerging priorities such as artificial intelligence, machine learning and technology upgrades. It also sets out a roadmap to expand India’s steelmaking capacity to 604 million tonnes by 2047.
A major focus is on checking sub-standard and non-conforming imports. The draft warns that sudden import surges, low-quality steel and possible circumvention of trade measures can create significant challenges for domestic manufacturers.
To address these concerns, the policy proposes real-time import monitoring supported by advanced analytics, along with stronger testing, certification and traceability systems. AI-supported tools would be used to detect unusual import patterns early and support timely trade-remedial action.
The draft also supports the use of anti-dumping, countervailing and safeguard measures where unfair trade practices are established, while stressing that such interventions should remain targeted so downstream industries continue to have access to essential inputs at affordable prices.
At the same time, the policy recognises that India will continue to require certain specialised and value-added steel grades that are not adequately produced domestically. Reducing dependence on these imports, it said, will require continued investment in advanced metallurgical technologies, automation, research and development, energy efficiency and logistics.
More than 60% of India’s steel imports currently come from countries with which India has free trade agreements, according to the draft.
India was a net exporter of finished steel in FY26, with imports falling 32% to 6.5 million tonnes and exports rising 36% to 6.6 million tonnes. However, the trend reversed in the current fiscal year, with finished steel imports rising 29.5% during April-August.
