State-owned Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) and Indonesia’s PT Krakatau Steel are exploring a joint venture to manufacture stainless steel slabs, according to multiple reports citing people familiar with the plans. The companies sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to examine cooperation aimed at meeting growing demand for stainless steel in India. The proposed project is discussed in capacity ranges, with plans under review including 500,000 tonnes to 1 million tonnes per year, depending on what the parties determine during feasibility work. Reporting indicates that the stainless steel slabs, if the venture proceeds, would be produced in Indonesia and then supplied to SAIL’s Salem Steel Plant (SSP) in Andhra Pradesh, which makes several grades of stainless steel. One report notes that the exact investment and capacity plans are not yet final and are to be finalised after feasibility studies and the formation of the proposed JV. The timelines and ultimate decision on whether the project will proceed are linked to the outcomes of the assessment work following the MoU.