New Delhi, Sept. 11 -- India will align its next phase of vehicle emission and fuel efficiency standards with global timelines as part of its drive towards becoming a net-zero carbon economy, road transport and highways minister Nitin Gadkari said on Thursday.

"We jumped from BS (Bharat Stage) IV to BS VI, and there was apprehension in the industry. But with positivity, we all managed to adjust to these norms and became successful. Now, we have planned that we will maintain global alignment for the adoption of BS VII norms and CAFE III (Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency)," said Gadkari.

Speaking at the annual convention of the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (Siam), Gadkari said reducing vehicular carbon emissions is a priori...