The Indian Chemical Council (ICC) convened an exclusive CEO Roundtable during the India Chemical Industry Outlook Conference, bringing together more than 100 global and Indian leaders from the chemical and petrochemical sectors. The session featured an interaction with Devendra Fadnavis, who engaged directly with senior executives to discuss the sector’s future growth, policy needs, and Maharashtra’s ambition to become a leading global chemicals hub.
Industry Insights Presented by Knowledge Partners
During the session, McKinsey & Company, the knowledge partner for the conference, delivered a detailed presentation highlighting the strategic importance of the chemicals industry to India’s economic growth and global competitiveness. Adding academic perspective, M. M. Sharma, Emeritus Professor of Eminence at Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT), shared valuable insights on the sector’s technological and research potential.
Industry Leaders Set the Stage for Strategic Dialogue
The discussions began with opening remarks from Ramya Bharathram, President of ICC and CFO of Thirumalai Chemicals Ltd, who emphasized the importance of collaboration between industry and policymakers.
The roundtable discussions were moderated by:
*Samir Somaiya, Vice President of ICC and CMD of Godavari Biorefineries Ltd
*Jayant Dhobley, Additional Vice President of ICC and CEO – Global Chemicals at Aditya Birla Group
Prominent industry voices also contributed to the discussion, including:
*Bimal Goculdas, MD and CEO of DMCC Speciality Chemicals Ltd
*Ravi Goenka, Executive Chairman of Laxmi Organic Industries Ltd
*Rajendra V. Gogri, Chairman and Managing Director of Aarti Industries Ltd
*Alexander Gerding, Managing Director of BASF India Limited
Together, they examined the opportunities and challenges shaping India’s chemical sector.
Maharashtra’s Vision for a Globally Competitive Chemicals Sector
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis highlighted the significant contribution of the chemical industry to Maharashtra’s industrial economy. He noted that the state’s economic growth is strongly driven by its manufacturing base.
He also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to policy-led industrial development, focusing on improving the ease and cost of doing business. In addition, he emphasized the importance of faster environmental clearances and regulatory support to accelerate industrial investments. Furthermore, the Chief Minister underscored the need to develop skilled talent for the sector. He called for stronger industry–academia collaboration with institutions such as:
*Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT)
*Laxminarayan Institute of Technology (LIT)
*Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs)
Such collaboration, he said, would help build a future-ready workforce for the rapidly evolving chemicals industry.
Focus on MSMEs and New Chemical Parks
Another important theme of the roundtable was the role of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in strengthening the chemicals ecosystem. Fadnavis stressed that the Maharashtra government is ready to work closely with industry stakeholders to develop new chemical hubs equipped with plug-and-play infrastructure, enabling faster project implementation and future expansion.
“As an outcome of this CEO Roundtable, I invite the Indian Chemical Council to work with the Government of Maharashtra to formulate a policy for the chemical industry that defines the sector’s future in the state, including the type of parks, infrastructure and investments we need to create,” said Devendra Fadnavis.
Industry Calls for Policy Stability and Infrastructure Development
Industry leaders at the roundtable pointed out that India’s chemical sector is currently at a strategic inflection point. With the right policy framework and investments, the country could significantly expand its participation in global chemical value chains.
Participants highlighted several critical enablers for growth, including:
*Policy stability and regulatory clarity
*Modern industrial infrastructure
*Reliable feedstock availability
*Increased research and innovation
*Stronger collaboration between government and industry
These factors, they noted, will be essential to unlock the sector’s full potential.
Strengthening Global Competitiveness and Sustainable Manufacturing
The high-level interaction also focused on strengthening India’s global competitiveness in chemicals while building resilient supply chains. Executives from leading Indian and multinational companies discussed the evolving global business landscape, including geopolitical shifts, supply chain diversification, and opportunities for India to emerge as a preferred manufacturing destination. At the same time, participants emphasized the importance of sustainable and environmentally responsible manufacturing practices as the industry continues to expand.
CEO Roundtable Reinforces Industry–Government Collaboration
Ramya Bharathram highlighted the importance of such forums in shaping the sector’s future. “Platforms like the CEO Roundtable enable meaningful dialogue between policymakers and industry leaders, helping shape a shared roadmap for the future of the chemical sector,” she said.
India Chemical Industry Outlook Conference: A Key Industry Platform
The India Chemical Industry Outlook Conference, organized annually by the Indian Chemical Council, remains one of the most influential gatherings in the sector. Each year, the event brings together policymakers, global CEOs, technology providers, and industry experts to discuss trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the future of the chemical industry.
As per the press release, through initiatives such as the CEO Roundtable, the conference continues to strengthen collaboration between government and industry, reinforcing the shared ambition to position India—and Maharashtra in particular—as a globally competitive, sustainable, and innovation-driven chemicals manufacturing hub.
