J.P. Nadda opened the 14th India Chem 2026 in Mumbai. The Union minister holds the Chemicals and Fertilizers and Health and Family Welfare portfolios.
Speaking to industry representatives and policymakers, Nadda said government measures were creating a supportive environment for chemical manufacturing. He identified the BHAVYA Rasayan Scheme as a major opportunity for the sector.
He said competitive manufacturing hubs require integrated value chains and reliable links to ports, railways, airports and roads. These infrastructure connections are central to the proposed hubs under BHAVYA Rasayan.
Nadda linked the sector’s development to the Viksit Bharat goal for 2047. He highlighted opportunities for Indian companies and multinational businesses, saying a developed and self-reliant economy needs a strong chemical and petrochemical industry.
The minister also presented Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s message to India Chem 2026.
In the message, Modi said easier business procedures and India’s expanding free-trade agreement network were opening investment opportunities and access to overseas markets. He encouraged chemical manufacturers to use these opportunities to strengthen their role in global supply chains.
Modi expressed hope that discussions at India Chem 2026 would produce partnerships supporting the industry’s longer-term development.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav and Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Manjhi outlined opportunities in their states. They invited businesses to consider investment in chemicals and petrochemicals.
Fadnavis said the chemical industry supports around three lakh jobs in Maharashtra. He described a forward-looking investment policy being prepared to improve the business environment.
The chief ministers of Madhya Pradesh and Odisha also encouraged companies to make use of their states’ investment policies and infrastructure for chemical manufacturing.
Minister of State Anupriya Patel highlighted the industry’s contribution to essential goods and better living standards.
Patel urged businesses to use available government incentives. She said the BHAVYA Rasayan Scheme provides for three dedicated chemical parks and called for close cooperation between industry and state governments, whose role will be important in implementing it.
Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals Secretary Tejveer Singh explained the scope of the programme at the opening.
He said focused group discussions would examine development priorities and the next steps for different industry segments.
Singh expected the following 2 days of discussions to provide a structured setting for business-to-business engagement.
A knowledge paper jointly prepared by FICCI and EY was released during the inaugural session of India Chem 2026.
Nadda also opened the international India Chem 2026 exhibition at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, NESCO. Displays cover chemicals, petrochemicals, technology, equipment, services and process machinery.
The minister and other dignitaries toured the India Chem 2026 stalls and spoke with industry representatives.
The three-day exhibition and conference is organised by the Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals with FICCI. Industry leaders, officials, investors, researchers and overseas participants are taking part.
With “Advantage Bharat: An Emerging Global Chemicals Hub” as its theme, India Chem 2026 offers a forum for exchanging expertise, exploring investment and developing commercial partnerships.
Japan is the Partner Country for India Chem 2026, supporting further business cooperation in chemicals and petrochemicals.
Partner States are Maharashtra, Gujarat, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. Their participation highlights the importance of state-level investment and industrial development.
The 14th edition introduces the India Chem Youth Innovation Challenge. It invites students, young innovators and emerging entrepreneurs to develop research-informed, practical responses to industry needs.
The release projects India’s chemical industry could reach USD 300 billion by 2030 and USD 1 trillion by 2040. Domestic demand, export opportunities, demographics, relatively low per-capita consumption and government initiatives are cited as growth drivers.
Participants come from Japan, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, European Union countries, Latin America, South Korea and ASEAN countries, among others.
The event includes more than 200 exhibitors, over 8,000 business visitors from India and abroad, and 50 leading Indian and international chief executives.
India Chem 2026 aims to connect international expertise with India’s manufacturing capabilities, investment opportunities and sustainable industrial development priorities.
Further event information is available through the organiser’s official website.
The event’s video coverage is available here: https://youtube.com/live/qhFqeE7vBSg