photo: Škoda Group/Meeting between Škoda Group CEO Petr Novotný and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi
A rare meeting between a Czech industrial leader and India’s Prime Minister is opening new doors for Škoda Group. The company is positioning itself for long-term growth in one of the world’s fastest-developing rail markets.
In international relations, it is extremely rare for a top-level politician to meet with a representative of a Czech company. Škoda Group CEO Petr Novotný received this honour during a meeting with India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Škoda Group stated that this was the first time a CEO of a Czech company had been received at this level in India.
Looking back in history, a similar level of recognition was last granted in India to Tatra, thanks to the expedition of Jiří Hanzelka, Miroslav Zikmund, and cameraman Jaroslav Novotný, who travelled with a Tatra vehicle. The expedition was provided with a police escort throughout the journey, although, according to available sources, the Prime Minister did not personally receive the travellers.
Expansion Built on Local Partnerships and Market Expertise
Škoda Group has established a partnership with Tata AutoComp Systems, part of the Tata Group, which focuses on the production of electric traction systems and components for rail vehicles. The South Asian powerhouse is in the sights of all major export-oriented companies, as it represents one of the most dynamic markets in the world, with significant investments in railway infrastructure, urban transport systems, and sustainable mobility solutions.
However, the foundation for success in India lies in accepting the Make in India principle and systematically developing industrial and technological capacities together with a local partner.
The meeting with the Prime Minister is the result of Škoda Group’s systematic work in India, as well as the personal engagement and deep knowledge of the market brought into the company by CEO Petr Novotný. He worked in India for Scania between 2018 and 2022.
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"Partnership with a local player is essential in India. It is not only about legislation, but also about understanding the market, local supply chains, regulations, and business culture. A strong domestic partner allows a foreign company to scale its business, participate in major projects, and build trust with customers and public institutions. During the four years I lived and worked in India, I gained extensive experience for the successful development of such cooperation," said Petr Novotný.
The Czech Embassy stated that the Prime Minister’s reception strengthens economic diplomacy for the entire Czech Republic and opens new opportunities for industrial cooperation, technology transfer, and long-term partnerships in one of the world’s most promising markets.
Trains and Digitalisation Drive Future Growth
According to Petr Novotný, Škoda Group aims in India not only to develop its manufacturing and supply capacities, but also to share know-how through initiatives such as the Škoda Academy. A key element is also product localisation and the development of local partnerships with further growth and expansion potential.
"In addition to our vehicles, we also see significant opportunities in digitalisation, which the Indian government actively supports – and this is precisely where we can offer our advanced digital technologies for more efficient public mobility. We see an opportunity to build a strong hub in India not only for the local market but also for export to other regions. We believe that further deepening of trade cooperation, including the development of trade agreements, will create a solid foundation for long-term growth and shared success," Novotný added.
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