The Indian Chemical Council (ICC), the apex national body representing India’s chemical industry, hosted its 61st Annual Awards Presentation Function and 17th Annual Seminar on September 11, 2026, at Taj Lands’ End, Bandra, Mumbai. Themed “Recognizing Excellence of Performance in Various Facets of Chemical Industry,” the flagship event brought together senior industry leaders, policymakers, academicians and professionals. The event recognised outstanding contributions to the chemical sector while providing a platform to discuss best practices, innovation and the future of the industry.
Global and Government Leaders Address the Chemical Industry
Dr. Markus Kamieth, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors and CEO of BASF SE and President of the International Council of Chemical Associations (ICCA), attended as the Chief Guest representing the global chemical industry. Tejveer Singh, IAS, Secretary, Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, Government of India, also attended as the Chief Guest representing the Government of India. Their participation highlighted the growing importance of collaboration between industry, government and global stakeholders in strengthening India’s chemical manufacturing ecosystem.
ICC Honours Lifetime Achievement Award Winners
The ICC recognised three distinguished professionals for their outstanding contributions to the chemical sector through its prestigious Lifetime Achievement Awards:
Mukesh Shah, Chairman, Fine Organic Industries Ltd. — ICC Lifetime Achievement Award
- R. Deo, Former Managing Director, NOCIL Ltd. — ICC D. M. Trivedi Lifetime Achievement Award for Management of Industry
Prof. Ashutosh Sharma, Institute Chair Professor, IIT Kanpur, and INAE Visvesvaraya Chair Professor & Coordinator, DST Unit on Nanoscience and Centre for Environmental Science and Engineering — ICC D. M. Trivedi Lifetime Achievement Award for Education & Research
These awards recognised their long-standing contributions to industry, management, education and research.
BASF CEO Highlights India’s Global Chemical Industry Potential
In his address, Dr. Markus Kamieth stressed that a world-class chemical industry requires a strong ecosystem connecting industry, government, academia, researchers, suppliers and start-ups. He highlighted India’s growing strategic importance, supported by its skilled workforce, expanding economy, strong domestic demand and significant manufacturing potential.
According to Kamieth, India has a unique opportunity to strengthen industrial competitiveness while advancing sustainability. He emphasised that competitiveness and sustainability must progress together, with energy efficiency, circularity, low-emission technologies, water stewardship and digital manufacturing playing increasingly important roles.
He also highlighted the growing impact of artificial intelligence and advanced technologies on chemical manufacturing. Furthermore, he stressed the importance of predictable policies, infrastructure, innovation, investment and stronger industry-academia collaboration. These measures, he noted, can help India build a globally competitive manufacturing, innovation and export ecosystem and emerge as a major global chemical hub.
Government Outlines Priorities for Chemical Sector Growth
Tejveer Singh highlighted the chemical industry’s role as a strategic pillar of the Indian economy. He noted that the sector contributes more than 8% to India’s gross value addition and has significant potential to increase its share of global markets. He called for greater coordination among industry, government, investors, R&D institutions and skilled professionals.
Key priorities include:
Developing a long-term strategy for the chemical sector
Strengthening domestic self-reliance
Increasing investment in research and development
Improving infrastructure
Reducing production costs
Developing skilled manpower
Streamlining regulatory approvals
Addressing global trade challenges
Singh also highlighted recent government initiatives, including the approval of three dedicated chemical parks under the “Bhavya Rasayan” scheme and efforts to bring chemicals and petrochemicals under the RDI scheme. At the same time, he urged chemical manufacturers to accelerate the transition towards cleaner and greener production. He encouraged the industry to use available support for carbon capture and utilisation while developing globally competitive and sustainable value chains.
17th Annual Seminar Focuses on Industry Excellence
Earlier in the day, ICC conducted its 17th Annual Seminar on “Recognizing Excellence of Performance in Various Facets of Chemical Industry.” The seminar featured Shri Deepankar Aron, Joint Secretary – Chemicals, Department of Chemicals & Petrochemicals, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers, Government of India, as Chief Guest. Prof. Sunil S. Bhagwat, Director, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Pune, attended as Guest of Honour. The seminar provided an additional platform for industry and academia to exchange insights, discuss emerging opportunities and explore ways to strengthen excellence across the chemical sector. The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Mr. D. Sothi Selvam, Director General, Indian Chemical Council.
ICC Reinforces Focus on Sustainable Chemical Industry
The 61st ICC Annual Awards and 17th Annual Seminar continued the council’s long-standing tradition of recognising excellence while encouraging knowledge sharing and constructive dialogue among industry, government and academia. As per the press release, through these initiatives, ICC aims to promote innovation, responsible business practices, technological advancement and sustainable growth. Consequently, the council continues to play an important role in strengthening the foundations of a globally competitive Indian chemical industry.
