- The 14th biennial international exhibition and conference paved the way to attract investment in the chemicals and petrochemicals sector and promote sustainable development
- Brainstorming sessions were held during the CEO Forum, India‑Japan, India‑America and India‑European Union forums to discuss challenges related to the chemicals and petrochemicals sector
The three‑day programme ‘India Chem‑2026’ that began on 22 October in Mumbai has concluded today.
'Advantage India: An Emerging Global Chemicals Hub' conference, the 14th edition of India Chem‑2026, strengthened global partnerships, paved the way for investment and promoted sustainable development in the chemicals and petrochemicals sector.
During the event, brainstorming sessions, business talks and substantive discussions were held in the CEO Forum, India‑Japan, India‑America and India‑European Union forums. Round‑table discussions on various challenges facing the chemicals and petrochemicals sector were also organised.
Japan was a ‘partner country’ in this programme. India and Japan enjoy very strong trade ties, especially in the chemicals and petrochemicals sector.
Union Minister for Chemicals & Fertilisers and Health & Family Welfare, Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda, inaugurated India Chem‑2026. In the august presence of the chief ministers of Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Odisha and Union Minister of State for Chemicals & Fertilisers and Health & Family Welfare, Mrs. Anupriya Patel, Shri Nadda urged industry leaders, investors, innovators and policymakers to work together to achieve the ‘Developed India @ 2047’ goal.
Shri Nadda said the chemicals and petrochemicals industry is an emerging sector with immense growth potential and can make a major contribution to economic development.
The Union Minister said that to achieve the ‘Developed India’ target by 2047, this sector must play a pivotal role. Its market size, currently about $220 billion, needs to grow to roughly $1 trillion by 2040 and about $1.6 trillion by 2047.
The CEO Forum chaired by Shri Nadda focused on strengthening the industry, enhancing competition and advancing India’s goal of becoming a globally competitive chemicals and petrochemicals hub.
Industrialists from around the world discussed opportunities and challenges in the Indian chemicals industry.
In the India‑Japan, India‑America and India‑European Union chemicals and petrochemicals forums under India Chem‑2026, representatives and industry leaders discussed ways to deepen cooperation in trade, investment and technology for the sector.
The programme on ‘Advantage India: An Emerging Global Chemicals Hub’ featured several round‑table discussions covering specialised chemicals, infrastructure for chemicals and petrochemicals, agri‑chemicals, environmental issues, plant machinery as well as pumps and valves – contemporary challenges facing the sector’s rapid growth.
The 14th edition of India Chem‑2026 introduced a new initiative, the ‘India Chem Youth Innovation Challenge’, aimed at linking young innovators with India’s chemicals and petrochemicals sector. Student teams worked on industry problems and solutions, evaluated by a jury of experts. The first prize went to ICT Mumbai students Saumya Bhole and Saarthak Kale; the second to VNIT Nagpur’s Suman Batwe and Saloni Mahadesar; and the third to IIT Gandhinagar’s Jash Prasad and Smita Bhanboria.
Co‑organised by the Chemicals and Petrochemicals Department and FICCI, the event provided a platform for industry and government representatives to deliberate on sector‑specific issues, including investment prospects, regulatory frameworks and strategic challenges.
The world‑class exhibition featured pavilions of major Indian and global companies as well as booths from several Indian states, including Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh and Bihar.
Countries such as Japan, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, the European Union, Latin America, the Republic of Korea and ASEAN nations participated. More than 5,000 visitors attended the three‑day event.