Agilent Technologies Inc. opened a Customer Experience Center (CEC) and office in Mumbai, reinforcing its long-term commitment to India and strengthening engagement with customers across the life sciences, pharmaceutical, and applied markets. The new facility represents the next phase of Agilent’s expansion in India. It integrates hands-on technology demonstrations, application expertise, and commercial operations within a modern collaborative environment.

During the inauguration, customers from sectors such as pharmaceuticals, biopharma, diagnostics, chemicals, food safety, and environmental testing visited the center. They participated in application-focused discussions and explored innovative solutions designed to address real-world laboratory challenges.

Part of Agilent’s Global Customer Engagement Strategy

The Mumbai Customer Experience Center forms part of Agilent’s global investment in customer-facing infrastructure, which includes Centers of Excellence and experience centers located in major innovation hubs worldwide. In India, the new facility complements Agilent’s growing network that includes the India Solution Center in Manesar, the Refurbishment Center, and the Hyderabad Biopharma Experience Center. Together, these facilities create a connected ecosystem that links local scientific needs with Agilent’s global expertise and best practices.

Enhancing Collaboration and Customer Engagement

According to Jonah Kirkwood, Senior Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer at Agilent Technologies, the center reflects the company’s commitment to delivering a consistent and high-quality customer experience. “At Agilent, customer experience is central to how we deliver value—both globally and locally. The Customer Experience Center in Mumbai reflects our continued investment in India as a strategic market and capability hub. By bringing together demonstration, collaboration, and local expertise, we are enabling customers to move faster from insight to impact.”

Supporting Laboratories Across the Analytical Lifecycle

Agilent’s investments in India align with its broader global strategy to develop integrated, customer-centric engagement models that support laboratories throughout the analytical and application lifecycle. The co-location of Agilent’s office with the Customer Experience Center further strengthens collaboration between customers and local teams. As a result, laboratories can benefit from deeper technical engagement, knowledge sharing, and faster problem solving.

Addressing the Rapid Evolution of India’s Pharma and Applied Markets

India’s pharmaceutical and applied science sectors are expanding rapidly, with growing emphasis on quality assurance, regulatory compliance, and advanced analytical capabilities. Bharat Bhardwaj, Vice President – Asia Pacific, Agilent Technologies, noted that the center will play an important role in supporting laboratories across the country. “The Customer Experience Center in Mumbai enhances how we support customers across India as they modernize laboratories, adopt new technologies, and achieve both scientific and business objectives.”

Strengthening India’s Role in Global Science and Innovation

Agilent views India as an important contributor to the global scientific and innovation ecosystem. The new center is expected to strengthen collaboration between Agilent experts and local customers, supporting capability development and long-term partnerships. According to Nandakumar Kalathil, India Country General Manager, Agilent Technologies, the center will help accelerate knowledge exchange and laboratory innovation. “By bringing customers and Agilent experts together in one integrated environment, we are supporting capability building, collaboration, and long-term partnerships that advance India’s laboratory ecosystem.”

Enabling Modern Laboratory Practices

India continues to expand its presence across pharmaceuticals, biopharma, diagnostics, chemicals, food safety, and environmental testing. As these sectors grow, the demand for reliable analytical data, regulatory-ready workflows, and modern laboratory infrastructure is also increasing. The Customer Experience Center in Mumbai provides a dedicated platform for hands-on learning, workflow demonstrations, and application-focused discussions, enabling laboratories to adapt to evolving scientific and regulatory requirements.

Driving Innovation Through Continued Investment

Through sustained investments in customer experience, infrastructure, and local capabilities, Agilent aims to strengthen its presence in India while supporting scientific advancement. As per the press release, the company’s continued expansion reflects its broader mission to advance science that improves the quality of life, while also reinforcing India’s growing contribution to the global innovation ecosystem.

Cabot Sanmar, the joint venture (JV) between Cabot Corporation (USA) and The Sanmar Group (India), announced a ₹220 crore brownfield expansion of its fumed silica manufacturing facility at Mettur near Salem, Tamil Nadu. Through the expansion, the company plans to double the plant’s production capacity to meet the growing demand for fumed silica across various industries. The new capacity is expected to be commissioned in the fourth quarter of calendar year 2027.

Wide Applications Across Multiple Industries

The JV manufactures CAB-O-SIL fumed silica, a specialty material widely used across industries. The product finds applications in pharmaceuticals, food processing, paints and coatings, adhesives and sealants, personal care products, and crop protection chemicals. Currently, nearly 30% of the company’s fumed silica output is supplied to the pharmaceutical industry, while around 70% serves diverse chemical-based applications across multiple industrial sectors.

Long-Term Strategy to Strengthen Domestic Manufacturing

Vijay Sankar, Chairman of The Sanmar Group, emphasized that the expansion aligns with the group’s long-term capacity planning. According to Sankar, the company sees strong and sustained domestic demand for fumed silica. He also reaffirmed the group’s commitment to local manufacturing. “We are very committed to manufacturing in India and not just importing and trading,” Sankar said.

Strong Track Record of India–US Joint Ventures

The Sanmar Group has built a strong reputation for long-standing joint ventures with American companies. Currently, the group operates five equity joint ventures with US enterprises, with Cabot Sanmar being the youngest at around 30 years. Sankar highlighted, “I don’t think there is another example of an equity JV between an Indian and an American company that has succeeded for such a long period”.

Diversified Business Portfolio of Sanmar Group

The Sanmar Group operates across several sectors, including commodity chemicals, specialty chemicals, engineering, foundry operations, and shipping. While most businesses are experiencing steady growth, the commodity chemicals segment has faced challenges in recent years. Sankar attributed these difficulties to the Covid-19 pandemic, global economic volatility, tariff wars, and excess production capacity in China. However, he remains optimistic that market conditions will gradually improve in the coming years.

Cost Pressures Amid Global Uncertainty

Despite strong demand prospects, the company continues to face cost pressures driven by global geopolitical tensions and ongoing conflicts. Sankar noted that prolonged volatility could potentially affect growth, although underlying demand for the product is expected to remain stable.

Emerging Opportunities in Semiconductors and Energy Storage

Beyond traditional applications, fumed silica is also gaining importance in advanced technology sectors. According to Sean Keohane, President and CEO of Cabot Corporation, the material plays a crucial role in semiconductor manufacturing and battery energy storage systems. Fumed silica is used in the Chemical Mechanical Polishing (CMP) process, an essential step in semiconductor fabrication. Additionally, its high surface-area properties help enhance the performance and durability of battery energy storage systems. “As semiconductor fabs get established in India, fumed silica could play an important role,” Keohane said.

Industry Growth Outlook

Krishna Kumar Rangachari, Director at Cabot Sanmar, estimates that the global fumed silica market will grow at around 8–10% annually. He also highlighted the stability of the raw material supply chain. As reported by thehindubusinessline.com, the primary raw material used for fumed silica production is quartz or silica sand, which is crystalline in nature and largely independent of petrochemical market fluctuations. Moreover, the material is sourced from Southeast Asia, ensuring a relatively stable and reliable supply chain.

India’s bioenergy installed capacity is projected to grow from around 11.6 gigawatts (GW) as of March 2025 to approximately 15.5 GW by FY32, driven by favourable policy support and the country’s vast biomass resources. However, the sector still faces several operational and structural challenges that could influence the pace of expansion, according to a report by CareEdge Ratings. Bioenergy currently forms an important part of India’s renewable energy mix, with bagasse-based cogeneration accounting for the largest share, followed by biomass power and waste-to-energy (WtE) projects.

Steady Capacity Growth in Recent Years

Over the past five years, India’s bioenergy sector has recorded steady but moderate growth. According to the report, the industry added nearly 868 MW of biomass power and cogeneration capacity, along with 693 MW of waste-to-energy capacity. As a result, the country’s total bioenergy capacity increased from 10.53 GW in FY21 to around 11.58 GW in FY25, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of about 2.24%.

Policy Support Driving Sector Expansion

The report highlights that several government initiatives are playing a crucial role in accelerating bioenergy development. These initiatives provide financial incentives, standardised technology frameworks, and assured offtake mechanisms, which help improve project viability and encourage investment in the sector.

Strong Biomass Availability Supports Growth

India’s abundant biomass resources continue to provide a strong foundation for long-term sector growth. The country generates nearly 750 million tons of agricultural residue annually, with surplus biomass estimated at around 250 million tons in FY24. This surplus alone could support approximately 28 GW of bioenergy generation capacity. Biomass availability is expected to increase further. Estimates suggest that total biomass production may reach 948 million tonnes, while surplus biomass could rise to around 295 million tonnes by FY25. The vast resource base positions India as one of the largest potential markets for bioenergy development.

Waste-to-Energy Emerging as a Key Segment

Among the different segments, waste-to-energy projects are gaining prominence due to their dual role in power generation and urban waste management. WtE plants help reduce landfill dependency while converting municipal waste into electricity, making them a critical component of sustainable urban infrastructure. However, these projects remain capital-intensive, with investment costs ranging between ₹6.38 crore and ₹7.44 crore per MW. Although this is higher than solar energy projects, the costs are broadly comparable to those of wind power installations.

Investment Requirements Set to Rise

As the sector moves toward its 15.5 GW capacity target by FY32, investment requirements are expected to increase steadily. The report estimates that annual funding needs may rise from ₹50.6 billion in FY25 to about ₹58.7 billion by FY30, reflecting growing demand for infrastructure, supply chains, and technology upgrades. As reported by knnindia.co.in, with the right policy support and infrastructure development, bioenergy could play a significant role in India’s clean energy transition and circular economy goals.

Oil India Limited (OIL) successfully drilled its first offshore exploration well in the Krishna-Godavari (KG) Basin under the Discovered Small Fields (DSF) regime. The drilling operation commenced on March 31, 2026, marking a key milestone in the company’s efforts to expand its offshore exploration portfolio. The development highlights Oil India’s growing focus on strengthening domestic hydrocarbon exploration and supporting India’s long-term energy security goals.

Appraisal Well to Assess Hydrocarbon Potential

The newly drilled appraisal well is located in the shallow waters of the Bay of Bengal and covers an exploration area of approximately 93.9 square kilometres. The well is part of a block awarded to Oil India under DSF Round-II, a government initiative designed to accelerate the development of discovered but underdeveloped hydrocarbon fields. Through this appraisal activity, the company aims to evaluate established hydrocarbon resources while also identifying additional reserves within the block.

Strengthening Offshore Exploration Capabilities

The drilling campaign forms part of Oil India’s broader strategy to expand its offshore exploration activities and deploy advanced drilling technologies for efficient resource assessment. By unlocking additional offshore hydrocarbon potential, the project will help boost domestic oil and gas production, reduce reliance on imports, and meet the country’s rising energy demand.

Milestone for Oil India’s Offshore Operations

The drilling of the well represents a significant operational milestone for Oil India. The company is currently operating three offshore drilling rigs simultaneously, demonstrating its growing capabilities and commitment to offshore exploration. This expansion of offshore operations is expected to further strengthen Oil India’s presence in India’s upstream energy sector.

Supporting India’s Energy Self-Reliance

The initiative reflects India’s continued push toward energy self-reliance and enhanced domestic resource development. By exploring and developing hydrocarbon reserves in offshore basins such as the KG Basin, Oil India aims to contribute to the nation’s energy security and long-term sustainability of the oil and gas sector. As reported by projectstoday.ai, as exploration activities progress, the project could unlock additional hydrocarbon potential and reinforce India’s position in the offshore energy landscape.

In a significant move to advance India’s coal gasification roadmap, Bharat Coal Gasification and Chemicals Limited (BCGCL) and Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL) signed a landmark land leasing agreement for the upcoming Coal-to-Ammonium Nitrate Project at Lakhanpur in Odisha.

India’s First Indigenous Coal Gasification Project

The project is designed as a 2,000 tons per day (TPD) ammonium nitrate facility and represents a major milestone for India’s energy and chemical sectors. Notably, it will be the first coal gasification project in the country to deploy indigenously developed gasification technology by Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL). By adopting domestic technology, the project supports the government’s push toward Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) while reducing dependence on imported technologies in critical industrial sectors.

Project to Be Developed on 350 Acres in Lakhanpur

The project will be developed on approximately 350 acres of land under the possession of MCL. Its implementation has been enabled through recent policy reforms by the ministry of coal, which allow the use of Coal Bearing Area (CBA) land for coal gasification projects. These reforms are expected to unlock new opportunities for diversifying the coal sector, enabling the conversion of coal into value-added chemicals and industrial products.

Government Support and Project Investment

To promote coal gasification initiatives across the country, the ministry of coal has extended financial support of ₹1,350 crore to the project under its dedicated incentive scheme. The Lakhanpur coal-to-ammonium nitrate project is expected to involve an investment of around ₹25,000 crore, making it one of the most significant coal gasification initiatives in India. The government has also approved a broader ₹8,500 crore outlay to promote coal gasification projects nationwide, with seven projects already finalized, including three where foundation ceremonies have been completed.

Coal Gasification Seen as a Strategic Game-Changer

Union minister G. Kishan Reddy emphasized that coal gasification will play a transformative role in India’s energy and industrial sectors. He highlighted that India possesses abundant coal reserves, and therefore it is crucial to utilize this resource beyond conventional applications such as power generation. Coal gasification can help reduce import dependency on chemicals and fertilizers while conserving valuable foreign exchange. The minister stressed upon the importance of adopting advanced global technologies while simultaneously strengthening indigenous capabilities.

Boost for India’s Industrial and Energy Transformation

The signing of the land lease agreement is expected to significantly accelerate the implementation of the Lakhanpur coal-to-ammonium nitrate project. By combining policy reforms, indigenous technology, and large-scale investment, the project reflects India’s growing commitment to
self-reliance, industrial innovation, and efficient utilization of coal resources. In the long term, initiatives such as this are expected to strengthen India’s energy security, chemical manufacturing capacity, and overall economic resilience.

In a major push toward building a circular economy, the government has notified final guidelines mandating the use of 40% recycled content in food-grade PET packaging. The new rule will come into effect from April 1, 2026, reinforcing the country’s commitment to sustainable resource management and plastic waste reduction. The policy aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s circular economy vision, which aims to promote recycling, reduce dependence on virgin plastic, and strengthen India’s domestic recycling ecosystem.

Policy to Boost Sustainable Packaging and Reduce Import Dependence

According to Goutham Jain, Director General of APR Bharat, the mandate represents a significant milestone for India’s sustainability agenda. The move comes at a time when global supply chain disruptions and geopolitical tensions are already affecting the availability and pricing of virgin PET. As a result, reliance on imported raw materials has become both costly and uncertain, making the shift toward recycled PET (r-PET) even more important for the packaging industry. Jain noted that increasing the use of recycled materials will help reduce supply vulnerabilities while supporting domestic recycling infrastructure.

FSSAI Approves New r-PET Recycling Capacity

Earlier in March 2026, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) granted authorization to 17 recycled PET manufacturing plants across the country. These approvals have unlocked an estimated 3 lakh tonnes of annual recycling capacity, strengthening India’s ability to meet the growing demand for recycled packaging materials in the food and beverage sector. The newly approved facilities will play a key role in supporting the government’s recycling mandate while ensuring compliance with food safety standards.

MoEFCC Guidelines and Implementation Timeline

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) issued detailed guidelines outlining the phased implementation of recycled content requirements. Under the policy, 30% recycled PET (r-PET) must be used in rigid plastic packaging during FY 2025–26, from April 1, 2026, the requirement will increase to 40% recycled content in food-grade PET packaging.

The ministry has also allowed brands and producers to carry forward any shortfall in meeting the 30% r-PET target for FY 2025–26 for up to three consecutive years. However, companies must achieve at least one-third of the carry-forward target each year to remain compliant. This flexible mechanism is designed to help industry players gradually adapt to the new requirements while expanding recycling capacity.

Industry Welcomes Circular Economy Push

Industry stakeholders have broadly welcomed the government’s move, viewing it as a step toward strengthening India’s circular packaging economy. “We wholeheartedly welcome the government’s progressive step, which reinforces confidence in the vision of building a circular economy,” Jain said. He added that with the currently authorized recycling capacities, India is well positioned to meet up to 50% of the PET requirement for bottling applications using recycled material. The mandate is also expected to stabilize supply chains, particularly at a time when global disruptions have affected the availability and pricing of virgin PET.

Boost for Recycling Ecosystem and Plastic Waste Reduction

Experts believe the new policy will significantly accelerate the adoption of recycled PET across the food and beverage industry. As demand for high-quality recycled materials grows, it will encourage further investment in recycling infrastructure while strengthening the domestic circular economy. In addition, the increased use of recycled plastics will help reduce plastic waste leakage into the environment and lower dependence on virgin plastic production.

Investments in Food-Grade r-PET Recycling Facilities

The policy builds upon the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016, which already mandate the gradual increase of recycled content in rigid plastic packaging. Under the rules, 30% recycled content is required from 2025–26 The requirement will increase by 10% annually and the target will reach 60% recycled content by 2028–29.

To support this transition, 15–18 food-grade r-PET recycling facilities have been established across India. These plants together provide around 3 lakh metric tons of annual recycling capacity, representing investments of approximately ₹9,000–10,000 crore. Many of these facilities have adopted state-of-the-art recycling technologies and operate according to standards approved by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Advancing India’s Circular Economy Vision

The new recycled content mandate is expected to play a crucial role in advancing India’s circular economy goals. By promoting large-scale use of recycled materials in packaging, the policy encourages resource efficiency, sustainable manufacturing, and reduced plastic pollution. As reported by biznewsdesk.com, as the regulations take effect over the coming years, India’s packaging industry will likely see increased investments in recycling technology, supply chain improvements, and greater collaboration between policymakers and industry stakeholders to build a more sustainable plastics ecosystem.

India’s pharmaceutical market witnessed the launch of the first wave of generic versions of Novo Nordisk’s GLP-1 weight-loss drugs, with several domestic drugmakers introducing significantly cheaper alternatives. The launch follows the expiry of Novo Nordisk’s patent on semaglutide in India, opening the door for competition in one of the world’s largest pharmaceutical markets.

At least five Indian pharmaceutical companies introduced generic semaglutide products, with prices reportedly up to 80% lower than the original brand. Despite the price competition, Novo Nordisk is betting that its strong brand recognition, technology capabilities, and patient care ecosystem will help it retain a leading position in the rapidly expanding market.

India: A Key Market for Diabetes and Obesity Drugs

India represents a critical opportunity for pharmaceutical companies developing diabetes and weight-management therapies. The country has around 100 million people living with diabetes, while nearly 25% of the population is classified as obese.

At the same time, India is widely known as “the world’s pharmacy”, thanks to its strong generics manufacturing ecosystem. Indian pharmaceutical companies supply around 20% of the world’s off-patent medicines, making the country a major hub for affordable drug production. As a result, the expiry of Novo Nordisk’s patent has triggered rapid entry by domestic manufacturers eager to capture a share of the growing GLP-1 drug market.

Indian Drugmakers Launch Lower-Cost Alternatives

Leading generic manufacturer Sun Pharmaceutical Industries was among the first to launch a generic semaglutide injection, priced at around ₹750 ($8) per weekly dose, or roughly ₹3,400 per month. This pricing is significantly lower than Novo Nordisk’s semaglutide products in India, which retail between ₹8,800 and ₹10,000 per month depending on dosage.

Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories has launched its own semaglutide version for diabetes treatment at approximately ₹4,200 per month. The company also plans to expand the product to international markets, including Canada, Turkey, and Brazil, later this year. According to Deepak Sapra, CEO of Pharmaceutical Services and API at Dr. Reddy’s, the company aims to make GLP-1 therapies accessible to a much wider patient population. “Our goal is to democratize access to GLP-1 drugs worldwide,” Sapra said during a virtual launch event. Dr. Reddy’s is targeting annual sales of 12 million semaglutide pens in the first year, covering multiple markets including India.

More Generic Brands Expected in the Market

Salil Kallianpur, an independent pharmaceutical consultant noted, “This is something that Indian generic players have been preparing for a very long time”. More than 50 brands of generic semaglutide are expected to enter the Indian market in the coming months. However, the number remains relatively limited compared with typical Indian generic launches because GLP-1 drugs are complex to manufacture and require strict quality controls.

Novo Nordisk Relies on Brand Strength and Partnerships

Despite the growing competition, Novo Nordisk remains confident in its ability to maintain a strong position in India. The company reduced the price of its Wegovy obesity drug by 37% in India in December, even before its patent expired, in an effort to remain competitive. According to Vishal Manchanda, pharma sector analyst at Systematix Group, Novo Nordisk could still retain a large share of the market if it maintains a 15–20% price premium over generic versions. Historically, Novo Nordisk has managed to retain market leadership even after patent expirations, particularly in insulin products, where its strong brand reputation and manufacturing scale have helped it outperform generic rivals.

Strategic Launch of New Brands in India

To strengthen its presence further, Novo Nordisk is adopting a multi-brand strategy in the Indian market. The company is launching Wegovy under the brand name Poviztra in partnership with Emcure Pharmaceuticals, while Ozempic will be marketed as Extensior through collaboration with Abbott India. These partnerships are expected to expand distribution through strong physician networks and pharmacy channels, helping Novo Nordisk maintain broad market reach. “This is a classic strategy to protect a premium brand against cheaper generics,” Kallianpur explained, noting that Novo Nordisk is relying heavily on its reputation. He added, “the brand is essentially the moat.”

Competitive Battle for the GLP-1 Market

The arrival of low-cost generic semaglutide in India marks the beginning of an intense price and market share battle in the fast-growing obesity and diabetes drug segment. As reported by cnbc.com, while Indian pharmaceutical companies aim to expand access through affordable alternatives, Novo Nordisk is betting that its innovation, brand trust, and integrated patient care ecosystem will help it remain a dominant player in the global GLP-1 drug market.

The Pharmaceuticals Export Promotion Council of India (Pharmexcil) has urged the government to ensure the allocation of critical petrochemical feedstocks such as propylene, methanol, ammonia, and butane to solvent manufacturers and active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) producers. According to the industry body, inventories of these essential raw materials have dropped to critically low levels due to supply disruptions caused by the ongoing West Asia conflict, raising concerns about potential shortages in pharmaceutical production.

Solvent Shortages Threaten Pharma Manufacturing

Pharmexcil Chairman Namit Joshi warned that if solvent manufacturers are unable to restore supplies quickly, the pharmaceutical sector could face serious disruptions. Solvents derived from petrochemical feedstocks are essential for the production of APIs and pharmaceutical intermediates. Any prolonged shortage could therefore impact the manufacturing of several important medicines. “If solvent producers fail to reinstate supplies, the market could face shortages of medicines, as these chemicals play a crucial role across the pharma manufacturing chain,” Joshi said.

API Manufacturers Struggle to Secure Supplies

Industry experts note that API manufacturers are already experiencing difficulties in sourcing solvents, as chemical producers grapple with disrupted supply chains. “The pharma industry, particularly API producers, is facing a major challenge in procuring solvents. Manufacturers say their supply chains have been affected due to the Middle East crisis,” an industry expert said. These supply constraints have increased uncertainty across the pharmaceutical supply chain, prompting industry leaders to seek urgent government support.

Domestic Supply Meets Majority of Demand

India’s pharmaceutical sector consumes large quantities of petrochemical-based inputs each month. Industry estimates indicate that the consolidated monthly requirement of key starting materials—propylene, methanol, ammonia, and butane—stands at around 55,000 metric tons. Currently, about 80 percent of this demand is met through domestic production, while the remaining 20 percent is fulfilled through imports. However, the geopolitical crisis has tightened supply availability and disrupted logistics, thereby affecting the availability of these essential chemicals.

Industry Seeks Government Intervention

Given the emerging shortage, industry stakeholders are urging the government to prioritize allocations of these petrochemical feedstocks for solvent manufacturers serving the pharmaceutical sector. Officials have reportedly been in close discussions with industry representatives to evaluate possible measures. One option under consideration is diverting part of the petrochemical supply toward solvent producers, which would subsequently supply API manufacturers.

Ensuring Stable Supply of Medicines

Joshi highlighted that the government’s immediate focus earlier was on ensuring adequate LPG availability, but the situation has now become critical for other petrochemical derivatives used in pharmaceuticals. “The government initially focused on securing LPG supplies and later planned to address other sectors. However, solvent producers now have almost negligible inventory levels. Therefore, it is essential for the government to divert petrochemical feedstocks to solvent manufacturers so they can support API production,” Joshi said. As reported by asiatoday.co, as geopolitical tensions continue to impact global supply chains, timely policy intervention will be crucial to safeguard India’s pharmaceutical production and ensure uninterrupted availability of medicines in domestic and export markets.

ACME Group signed a ten-year binding Green Ammonia Purchase Agreement (GAPA) with the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) to supply 370,000 tons per annum (TPA) of green ammonia. The agreement carries an estimated contract value of ₹20,000 crore over the duration of the deal. The landmark agreement forms part of the government of India’s SIGHT Scheme Mode-2A, Tranche-I, the country’s first large-scale procurement programme for green hydrogen and green ammonia. Earlier, ACME had secured Letters of Award from SECI in August and September 2025, paving the way for this long-term supply arrangement.

Green Ammonia Production Facility in Odisha

Under the agreement, ACME will establish a green ammonia production facility in Odisha to support the supply commitment. The plant will produce green ammonia using renewable energy sources, aligning with India’s broader strategy to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable fuels.

Once operational, the facility will supply green ammonia to six fertilizer plants located across five states. SECI will serve as the intermediary aggregator, coordinating supply and distribution under the national programme. At the same time, SECI has signed Green Ammonia Sale Agreements (GASA) with multiple fertilizer companies that will use the product as feedstock in their operations.

Fertilizer Companies to Receive Green Ammonia

The green ammonia produced by ACME will be distributed to several major fertilizer manufacturers in India. Through this network, the green ammonia produced in Odisha will support fertilizer manufacturing across Gujarat, Odisha, Goa, West Bengal, and Andhra Pradesh, strengthening the domestic supply chain for low-carbon inputs.

Demonstrating Commercial Viability of Green Ammonia

According to Anil Taparia, Chief Operating Officer for Green Hydrogen and Ammonia at ACME, the agreement represents a significant step toward establishing commercial-scale green ammonia production in India. He emphasized that the deal demonstrates the technical and economic feasibility of producing and supplying green ammonia at competitive costs, which is essential for scaling the green hydrogen economy.

ACME Expands Global Green Hydrogen Projects

ACME has already established a pilot-scale green hydrogen and green ammonia facility, which serves as a demonstration of its technology capabilities. Building on this experience, the company is now developing large-scale green ammonia and green methanol projects in India and Oman. These projects are designed to serve both domestic demand and international export markets, positioning ACME as a key player in the emerging global green hydrogen and ammonia value chain.

Supporting India’s Green Energy Transition

The agreement between ACME and SECI marks an important milestone in India’s green hydrogen mission. By enabling large-scale production and guaranteed offtake of green ammonia, the initiative aims to accelerate the adoption of clean fuels in fertilizer manufacturing and other industrial sectors. As reported by thehindubusinessline.com, as India pushes toward energy transition and decarbonization, such long-term agreements are expected to play a crucial role in building a sustainable and competitive green hydrogen ecosystem.

Merck, a science and technology company, successfully completed the acquisition of the chromatography business of JSR Life Sciences. The move strengthens Merck’s capabilities in downstream processing and further expands its portfolio of solutions for biopharmaceutical manufacturing. By integrating advanced chromatography technologies, Merck aims to help pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies improve productivity, streamline purification processes, and accelerate the production of critical biologic medicines.

Expanding Downstream Processing Capabilities

The acquisition adds Amsphere™ Protein A resins and advanced Protein A chromatography technologies to Merck’s downstream processing portfolio. These technologies play a crucial role in the purification of monoclonal antibodies, one of the most important classes of biologic therapies used in modern medicine.

With these additional capabilities, Merck will enable customers to achieve more efficient and scalable purification processes. Moreover, when combined with Merck’s established downstream solutions, the new technologies will help improve process productivity and support reliable manufacturing from early development stages to full commercial production.

“This acquisition expands our downstream purification capabilities at a time when customers are pushing to scale biologics faster and more efficiently,” said Sebastián Arana, Head of Process Solutions, Life Science business of Merck.

He further noted that the expanded Protein A portfolio will allow Merck to help customers strengthen process consistency and ensure dependable manufacturing at scale. “With expanded Protein A offerings, we can help customers strengthen process consistency, support reliable manufacturing at scale, and ultimately accelerate access to critical therapies,” Arana added.

Strengthening Technical Expertise and Global Support

As part of the acquisition, Merck is also welcoming a Belgium-based chromatography team of more than 50 employees. This team has extensive expertise in chromatography technologies and currently provides solutions to pharmaceutical and biotechnology manufacturers worldwide. Their technical knowledge, application expertise, and customer support capabilities will further enhance Merck’s ability to assist customers in optimizing antibody purification processes.

Integration into Merck’s Process Solutions Portfolio

Going forward, the chromatography business will be integrated into Merck’s Process Solutions portfolio, a key segment within the company’s Life Science business. This portfolio supports biopharmaceutical manufacturers across the entire production cycle, including process development, scale-up, and commercial manufacturing. By combining JSR Life Sciences’ chromatography expertise with its own global infrastructure and technology platform, Merck aims to deliver more advanced and reliable solutions for the rapidly growing biologics market.

Supporting the Growing Demand for Biologic Therapies

The acquisition reflects Merck’s broader strategy to strengthen its position in the bioprocessing and biologics manufacturing sector, where demand continues to rise. As pharmaceutical companies accelerate the development of monoclonal antibodies and other biologic drugs, efficient purification technologies are becoming increasingly critical. As per the press release, with the addition of advanced Protein A chromatography technologies and specialized technical expertise, Merck is well positioned to help biopharmaceutical companies scale production efficiently while ensuring consistent quality and faster delivery of life-saving therapies to patients worldwide.