The steel industry, a cornerstone of infrastructure and manufacturing, faces mounting pressure to embed sustainability in procurement while remaining competitive. This study develops a structured framework for supplier selection in a multi‑location steel manufacturing context, explicitly linking evaluation criteria to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). A four‑step methodology was adopted: (1) literature review; (2) expert validation of 22 candidate factors, which were then consolidated into 18 final sub‑criteria; (3) an internal survey of managers at India’s largest steel producers; and (4) the application of a hybrid MCDM (BWM‑COBRA) workflow. Results highlight eco‑friendly raw materials, material quality, public awareness, and energy consumption as critical determinants, particularly aligned with SDGs 7–9, 12–13, and 17. Sensitivity analysis indicates that supplier rankings are most affected by variations in material quality, order delivery, and recyclable inputs, suggesting these factors significantly impact ranking stability. The study offers a validated metric and a hybrid BWM‑COBRA implementation to support sustainable procurement practices aligned with multiple SDGs. By operationalising SDG‑driven supplier evaluation within the steel sector, this research contributes to both academic literature and industrial practice. The validated framework provides steel manufacturers with a practical tool to balance sustainability with operational efficiency, supporting procurement decisions in emerging economies. Overall, the study demonstrates how integrating circular economy principles into supplier selection can strengthen the resilience and sustainability of steel supply chains.