Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilizers, J.P. Nadda, inaugurated the 14th edition of India Chem 2026 in Mumbai. Organised under the theme “Advantage Bharat: An Emerging Global Chemicals Hub,” the three-day event brings together industry leaders, policymakers, investors, researchers and international participants to explore investment opportunities, strengthen partnerships and accelerate the growth of India’s chemicals and petrochemicals industry. Nadda said the government was creating a favourable environment for the chemical sector. He also described the proposed BHAVYA Rasayan Scheme as a potential game changer for the industry.
BHAVYA Rasayan Scheme to Support Chemical Manufacturing Hubs
Nadda highlighted the importance of connectivity to ports, railways, airports and road networks, along with integrated value chains, in developing globally competitive chemical manufacturing hubs under the BHAVYA Rasayan Scheme. He emphasised that the chemicals and petrochemicals industry would play an indispensable role in achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047. According to him, this presents significant opportunities for domestic manufacturers and multinational corporations to expand investments, strengthen manufacturing capabilities and improve India’s position in global markets. The minister also read out a message from Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, who highlighted the opportunities emerging from improvements in the ease of doing business and India’s expanding network of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). The Prime Minister expressed confidence that Indian chemical manufacturers would leverage these opportunities to strengthen their participation in global supply chains. He also noted that India Chem 2026 could encourage meaningful discussions and partnerships to support the sector’s long-term development.
Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Odisha Invite Chemical Industry Investments
Chief Ministers from Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Odisha invited industry leaders to explore investment opportunities in their respective states and benefit from their industrial infrastructure and business-friendly policies. Devendra Fadnavis, Chief Minister of Maharashtra, highlighted the chemical industry’s contribution to employment, noting that it provides jobs to approximately three lakh people in the state. He added that Maharashtra was preparing a forward-looking, investor-friendly policy focused on improving the ease of doing business. Dr. Mohan Yadav, Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, and Shri Mohan Charan Majhi, Chief Minister of Odisha, also encouraged companies to take advantage of their states’ investment policies and infrastructure to establish and expand chemical and petrochemical operations. These state-level initiatives are expected to support industrial expansion, attract domestic and international investments, and strengthen India’s chemical manufacturing ecosystem.
Government Encourages Investment in Dedicated Chemical Parks
Anupriya Patel, Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare and Chemicals and Fertilizers, emphasised the critical role of the chemicals and petrochemicals industry in meeting essential needs and improving quality of life. She urged industry leaders to make effective use of government incentives and investment opportunities. She also highlighted the Bharat Audyogik Vikas Yojna (BHAVYA) Rasayan Scheme, which aims to support the development of three dedicated chemical parks. Furthermore, she called on industry stakeholders and state governments to work closely together, noting that state-level participation would be essential for implementing the scheme and realising its objectives.
India Chem 2026 Promotes Industry Dialogue and Business Partnerships
Shri Tejveer Singh, Secretary of the Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals (DCPC), outlined the objectives of India Chem 2026. He said the event would facilitate focused group discussions on the future development of India’s chemicals and petrochemicals industry and its various subsectors. He also highlighted the importance of business-to-business interactions, explaining that the two-day programme of deliberations and networking would provide a structured platform for companies to explore commercial opportunities and establish partnerships. During the inaugural session, the organisers released a knowledge paper prepared jointly by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and Ernst & Young (EY). Vijay Sankar, Senior Vice President, FICCI, and Chairman of The Sanmar Group, stressed the need for integrated chemical parks, international partnerships and strong state-level support to strengthen India’s position in the global chemicals market.
International Exhibition Showcases Chemical Industry Technologies
Following the inauguration, Shri J.P. Nadda opened the India Chem 2026 international exhibition at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, NESCO, Mumbai. The exhibition showcases products, technologies, equipment and services across chemicals, petrochemicals, process plant machinery and industrial equipment. The minister and other dignitaries also visited the exhibition stalls and interacted with industry representatives. The Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals, under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, is organising the three-day event in partnership with FICCI. The programme combines an international exhibition with a conference to connect manufacturers, technology providers, investors, policymakers and other stakeholders.
Japan and Seven Indian States Join as Partners
India Chem 2026 has strengthened its international and domestic participation through its partner-country and partner-state initiatives. Japan is the Partner Country for the 14th edition, creating opportunities to deepen economic cooperation and explore collaboration in chemicals and petrochemicals. Meanwhile, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh are participating as Partner States. Their involvement highlights the growing role of state governments in attracting investments, developing industrial infrastructure and supporting the expansion of India’s chemical sector.
Youth Innovation Challenge Encourages Research-Based Solutions
A key feature of India Chem 2026 is the India Chem Youth Innovation Challenge, which aims to engage young innovators, students and emerging entrepreneurs with the evolving needs of the chemicals and petrochemicals industry. The initiative seeks to encourage practical, research-based and innovative solutions to industry challenges. By connecting emerging talent with industry requirements, the programme aims to support innovation and contribute to the sector’s long-term competitiveness.
Indian Chemical Industry Targets USD 1 Trillion by 2040
India’s chemical industry is projected to reach USD 300 billion by 2030 and USD 1 trillion by 2040. Rising domestic demand, expanding export opportunities, India’s demographic dividend, relatively low per capita consumption and supportive government initiatives are expected to drive this growth. India Chem 2026 reflects the industry’s ambition to attract investment, strengthen domestic manufacturing and expand its presence in international markets. The event has attracted participants from Japan, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, European Union countries, Latin America, the Republic of Korea and ASEAN nations. More than 200 Indian and international exhibitors, over 8,000 business visitors from India and abroad, and 50 leading Indian and international CEOs are participating in the event.
India Chem 2026 Aims to Strengthen India’s Position as a Global Chemicals Hub
By bringing together international expertise, domestic manufacturing capabilities and investment opportunities, India Chem 2026 aims to accelerate the development of India’s chemicals and petrochemicals industry. The event provides a platform for stakeholders to exchange knowledge, establish strategic alliances, explore new markets and identify mutually beneficial business opportunities. In addition, its focus on industrial infrastructure, innovation and international cooperation supports the broader vision of “Advantage Bharat: An Emerging Global Chemicals Hub.” As per the press release, as India pursues its long-term industrial development goals, India Chem 2026 is expected to contribute to investment-led growth, stronger global partnerships and the development of a more competitive and sustainable chemical manufacturing ecosystem
