The Indian Chemical Council (ICC) hosted the 4th ICC NicerGlobe LogNext 2026 in Mumbai, bringing together policymakers, global industry leaders, logistics experts, technology providers, and senior executives to discuss the future of India’s chemical supply chains. Held under the theme “Beyond the Horizon: Designing the Chemical Supply Chain for a Decade of Uncertainty,” the conference examined how the chemical industry can build resilient, sustainable, digitally enabled, and future-ready supply chains amid evolving global challenges. KPMG served as the Knowledge Partner for the event.
Industry Calls for Smarter and More Resilient Supply Chains
Samir Somaiya, Vice President, Indian Chemical Council (ICC), and Chairman & Managing Director, Godavari Biorefineries Limited, said the chemical industry is entering a transformative phase where supply chains must evolve beyond operational efficiency. He emphasized that future supply chains should be resilient, intelligent, sustainable, and technology-driven. He also stressed that closer collaboration among industry, government, and technology partners will be essential to strengthen India’s position as a global chemical manufacturing and logistics hub.
KPMG Highlights Emerging Global Supply Chain Challenges
Aman Sethi, Partner – Oil & Gas and Chemicals, KPMG, outlined the rapidly evolving global business environment. He pointed to several factors reshaping chemical supply chains, including: Geopolitical uncertainties, shifting global trade corridors, digital transformation, sustainability imperatives and rising customer expectations. According to Sethi, the conference was designed to provide practical insights and strategic guidance for organizations navigating this increasingly complex landscape.
Maersk Shares Global Perspective on Chemical Logistics
Delivering the keynote address, Patrick Hore, Global Vertical Head – Energy, Chemicals & Raw Materials, A.P. Møller–Maersk A/S, highlighted the growing importance of resilient logistics networks. He noted that companies must develop agile supply chains capable of responding to geopolitical disruptions, trade realignments, digital innovation, and decarbonisation initiatives while maintaining business continuity and long-term competitiveness.
Rajat Kumar Saini Highlights Industrial Corridor and BHAVYA Scheme
The key highlight of the session was the address by Rajat Kumar Saini, IAS, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, National Industrial Corridor Development Corporation (NICDC). Saini outlined the Government of India’s continued focus on developing integrated industrial corridors, multimodal logistics infrastructure, and world-class manufacturing ecosystems to strengthen India’s role in global supply chains. He also highlighted the implementation of the BHAVYA (Bharat Audyogik Vikas Yojana) initiative, which aims to develop 100 plug-and-play industrial parks across the country. According to Saini, coordinated infrastructure development, policy support, and modern industrial ecosystems will play a crucial role in accelerating the growth of India’s chemical manufacturing sector and improving supply chain efficiency.
Government Reiterates Vision for Integrated Industrial Infrastructure
Addressing the gathering, Vishnu Sharma, NICDC, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce & Industry, reinforced the government’s vision of creating globally competitive industrial ecosystems. He emphasized that integrated industrial corridors, smart industrial townships, seamless multimodal connectivity, and sustainable logistics infrastructure are critical to strengthening India’s manufacturing competitiveness and positioning the country as a preferred destination for chemical manufacturing and global supply chains.
KPMG Releases White Paper on Chemical Logistics
A major highlight of the conference was the release of a comprehensive White Paper prepared by KPMG. The report provides strategic insights into: Emerging risks in chemical logistics, global supply chain transformation, digital technologies and sustainability priorities.
Strategies for building resilient and future-ready chemical supply chains
The White Paper is expected to serve as a valuable resource for industry leaders, policymakers, and logistics professionals navigating the evolving chemical supply chain landscape.
ICC Recognises Responsible Care Excellence
ICC also presented Responsible Care Logo Certificates to companies that achieved new certifications and successful recertifications. The recognition acknowledges organizations demonstrating excellence in: Health and safety, Environmental protection, Security, Sustainability and Responsible chemical manufacturing. The Responsible Care programme continues to promote global best practices across India’s chemical industry.
Industry Leaders Discuss Future of Chemical Logistics
The conference featured an extensive programme of panel discussions and technical sessions addressing the key issues shaping the future of chemical supply chains.
Major topics included:
Geopolitical shifts affecting global trade
Resilient logistics strategies
Government policy and infrastructure incentives
Digital transformation
Artificial intelligence in supply chain management
Carbon monitoring and sustainability
Multimodal transportation
Startup-driven innovation
Operational excellence
Experts from leading organizations, including Maersk, Reliance Industries, Dow Chemical International, Tata Chemicals, Chemplast Sanmar, Godavari Biorefineries, SAP India, Balmer Lawrie, Clariant India, Navin Fluorine, LANXESS India, and Goodrich Maritime, shared practical experiences and perspectives on the future of chemical logistics.
Collaboration Identified as the Key to Future Growth
The event reinforced the importance of stronger collaboration among industry, government, logistics providers, and technology companies in building agile, resilient, and sustainable chemical supply chains. As per the press release, as global uncertainties continue to reshape manufacturing and trade, ICC NicerGlobe LogNext 2026 highlighted the need for strategic partnerships, digital innovation, and infrastructure development to ensure that India’s chemical industry remains globally competitive over the coming decade.
