Škoda Group strengthens its presence in India and Azerbaijan and holds talks on railway modernisation in India

15. 10. 2026

Škoda Group strengthens its presence in India and Azerbaijan and holds talks on railway modernisation in India

Škoda Group continues to expand its activities in promising international markets. In October, the European technology group participated in two major Czech business missions to India and Azerbaijan. In India, its representatives took part in business discussions focused on the modernisation of rail transport, the development of industrial cooperation and opportunities for the application of advanced signalling technologies, including the European Train Control System (ETCS). In Azerbaijan, the Group discussed opportunities related to metro modernisation, rolling stock maintenance and cooperation with local partners.

India is one of Škoda Group’s strategic markets, offering significant potential for long-term growth. Škoda Group therefore participated in a business mission to India organised by the Confederation of Industry of the Czech Republic, accompanying Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Industry and Trade Karel Havlíček on his official visit to the country. Škoda Group was represented on the delegation by its CEO and Chairman of the Board of Directors, Petr Novotný. The mission’s programme included business meetings with representatives of the Indian government, major industrial companies and potential business partners, including Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) and BEML Limited.

The programme also included meetings with India’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, who previously served as Minister of Railways. The discussions focused on the further development of India’s railway transport, opportunities for technological and industrial cooperation, and the potential for advanced train control and signalling systems, including ETCS.

India is a strategic market for us with exceptional potential. Significant investments in railway infrastructure and transport modernisation create opportunities not only for the supply of rolling stock, but also for advanced technologies, signalling systems and long-term industrial cooperation. Our ambition is to develop stable partnerships with major Indian companies that will be based on a combination of our technological expertise and knowledge of the local market.

Petr Novotný, CEO and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Škoda Group

Škoda Group is already developing cooperation with TATA AutoComp Systems in the Indian market. Its long-term strategy envisages the gradual expansion of its local industrial presence, the involvement of Indian partners and the transfer of technological know-how. This approach is also aligned with the Government of India’s Make in India initiative, which promotes domestic manufacturing and the development of industrial capabilities.

Škoda Group also explores new opportunities in Azerbaijan

Alongside its activities in India, Škoda Group also participated in a business mission to Azerbaijan organised by the Confederation of Industry of the Czech Republic, with the participation of Minister of Transport Ivan Bednárik. The Group was represented during the meetings by Tomáš Ignačák, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of Škoda Group.

The discussions in Baku focused primarily on opportunities for cooperation in modernising the local metro and railway transport systems, developing servicing and maintenance capabilities, and providing technical training. Škoda Group aims to establish long-term partnerships with local companies, which could in the future also include the localisation of selected industrial activities, technology transfer and the creation of new employment opportunities.

Activities in both India and Azerbaijan form part of Škoda Group’s long-term strategy to strengthen its presence in promising international markets and to develop comprehensive mobility solutions that combine modern rolling stock, digital technologies, signalling systems and services throughout the entire lifecycle of the vehicles.