At the World Economic Forum in Davos on January 20, Schneider Electric Industrial Automation CEO Gwenaelle Avice Huet outlined the company's strategic emphasis on India, particularly targeting the water, steel, and energy sectors as key growth areas.

Industry Automation at Critical Juncture

Huet described the current state of global industry automation as being "at a turning point," driven by three fundamental factors: global competitiveness, sustainability imperatives, and advancing digitisation. She noted that companies are increasingly seeking concrete use cases to understand automation's value proposition, highlighting Schneider Electric's recent recognition through AI and sustainability awards in France and China.

Strategic India Operations and Workforce

The company's commitment to India is reflected in its substantial local presence and operations:

Huet emphasized that India serves not only as a significant operational base but also as a centre for global R&D, positioning the country to shape industrial automation trends worldwide.

Key Sector Initiatives

The CEO highlighted specific areas where Schneider Electric is making strategic investments in India:

• Water Management: Collaboration with Delhi's water industry to develop digitalisation solutions for water and wastewater management systems
• Hydrogen Deployment: Initiatives supporting India's hydrogen economy development
• Green Steel: Projects aligned with government priorities for sustainable steel production

Technology Scaling Challenges

Huet addressed the gap between available technology and its practical implementation, noting that while electrification and automation technologies exist, scaling requires focused investment in training, skilling, and local partnerships. She cited a striking statistic: "Only 5% of industry heating is electrified today, yet technology exists to reach 60%. It's about know-how and making it scalable."

Integrated Approach to Sustainability

The CEO emphasized the interconnected nature of modern industrial solutions, stating that "AI brings competitiveness, and sustainability is good business too." She explained how digitalisation, electrification, and sustainability work together to reduce operational costs while creating additional value for customers.

Future Outlook

Schneider Electric's expanding footprint in India represents a broader strategic push to leverage automation, sustainability, and digitalisation across key industrial sectors. The company's approach aligns with national priorities in energy transition and infrastructure development, positioning it to capitalize on India's industrial transformation while contributing to global automation trends.

Source: https://www.cnbctv18.com/business/davos-2026-schneider-electric-ceo-highlights-india-focus-with-eye-on-water-hydrogen-green-steel-ws-l-19824767.htm

Schneider Electric Infrastructure Limited has received a significant GST demand order from tax authorities in Vadodara, Gujarat, relating to input tax credit discrepancies for the Financial Year 2021-22. The company disclosed this development through a regulatory filing under Regulation 30 of SEBI Listing Regulations.

GST Demand Order Details

The demand order was issued by the Office of Additional Commissioner, Vadodara-I, Vadodara, CBIC, Gujarat. The order pertains to excess claim of Input Tax Credit (ITC) and non-reversal of inadmissible/unclaimed ITC under Section 73(9) of the CGST Act, 2017 read with Section 20 of the IGST Act, 2017.

Company's Response and Impact Assessment

Schneider Electric Infrastructure has stated that it is evaluating appropriate legal remedies to address the demand order. The company received the order at 04:22 p.m. (IST).

Regarding the financial impact, the company has clarified that there is no material impact on its financial, operational, or other routine business activities. The impact will be limited to the extent of liability as per the order issued by the tax authorities.

Regulatory Compliance

The disclosure was made in compliance with Regulation 30 of the SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations 2015. The company provided all required details as per sub-para 20 of Para A of Part A of Schedule III of the listing regulations.

The company secretary and compliance officer, Sumit Goel, signed the regulatory filing submitted to both NSE and BSE. This development represents a significant tax-related matter for the electrical equipment manufacturer, though the company maintains that it will not materially affect its ongoing business operations.