Addressing NDTV AutoMate: The Fuel and Future Summit 2026 via a recorded message, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said energy security will be central to building an Atmanirbhar Bharat. Stressing that India spends nearly ₹22 lakh crore on energy imports, he called for greater adoption of electric vehicles, hydrogen, biofuels and methanol to reduce import dependence, curb pollution, generate rural employment and strengthen indigenous technology. He also apologised for missing the event due to an urgent ministerial meeting related to the upcoming Parliament session.
