TL;DR
SIAM urges the Indian government to implement an AI-driven and future-ready tax framework to support the automotive industry's shift towards EVs and advanced manufacturing.
The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) has called for a forward-thinking, technology-driven tax framework to support the Indian automotive industry's evolution. At the 3rd SIAM Automotive Taxation Conference 2026, themed 'Bharat AutoTax: Steering Policy, Technology and Growth,' industry leaders emphasized the critical need for agile tax policies, expedited dispute resolution, and the enhanced integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into tax administration.
This initiative aims to facilitate the industry's transition towards electric vehicles (EVs), software-defined vehicles, and globally competitive manufacturing practices. Discussions at the conference covered vital areas such as transfer pricing, Pillar Two taxation, reforms in Tax Deducted at Source (TDS), audit mechanisms, and dispute resolution. Sanjeev Agarwal, Chairman of SIAM Direct Tax Group and Head-Taxation & Customs at BMW India, highlighted that taxation has evolved beyond mere compliance to become a strategic enabler for investment decisions, supply chain resilience, and overall competitiveness.

