India Chem 2026 Opens in Mumbai, Targets Global Investment in Chemicals Sector
Union Minister J.P. Nadda inaugurates 14th edition; Indian chemical industry projected to reach $300 billion by 2030
22 October 2026, Mumbai: Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilizers and Health and Family Welfare J.P. Nadda inaugurated the 14th edition of India Chem 2026 in Mumbai, bringing together industry leaders, policymakers, investors and international stakeholders to explore investment opportunities and strengthen India’s position in the global chemicals and petrochemicals market.
Speaking at the inaugural session, Nadda said the government was providing a conducive environment for the chemical industry and described the Bharat Audyogik Vikas Yojana (BHAVYA) Rasayan Scheme as a potential game changer for the sector.
He highlighted the importance of connectivity to ports, railways, airports and roads, alongside integrated value chains, in developing globally competitive chemical manufacturing hubs under the scheme.
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Nadda said the chemical and petrochemical industries would play an important role in achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047, creating opportunities for domestic manufacturers and multinational companies.
India Targets $300 Billion Chemical Industry by 2030
The Indian chemical industry is projected to reach $300 billion by 2030 and $1 trillion by 2040, supported by rising domestic demand, export opportunities, relatively low per capita consumption and government initiatives.
In his message to India Chem 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said improvements in the ease of doing business and India’s expanding network of free trade agreements were creating new avenues for investment and access to international markets.
Modi expressed confidence that Indian chemical manufacturers would use these opportunities to strengthen their participation in global supply chains. He also said the event could facilitate partnerships supporting the sector’s long-term development.
Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare and Chemicals and Fertilizers Anupriya Patel called on industry leaders to make use of government incentives and investment opportunities. She emphasised the importance of coordination between industry and state governments in implementing the BHAVYA Rasayan Scheme, which provides for three dedicated chemical parks.
States Highlight Investment Opportunities
Chief Ministers of Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Odisha highlighted investment opportunities and state-level policies aimed at attracting chemical and petrochemical industries.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the chemical industry employed around 300,000 people in the state. He added that Maharashtra was preparing an investment-friendly policy focused on improving the ease of doing business.
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav and Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi invited companies to explore opportunities offered by their respective states, including business-friendly investment policies and industrial infrastructure.
At the inaugural session, Tejveer Singh, Secretary of the Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals, said the event would facilitate focused discussions on the development of different subsectors. He also highlighted its role in providing a platform for business-to-business interactions.
A knowledge paper prepared jointly by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and Ernst & Young (EY) was released during the session. Vijay Sankar, Senior Vice President of FICCI and Chairman of The Sanmar Group, emphasised the need for integrated chemical parks, international partnerships and state government support to strengthen India’s position in the global chemicals market.
Japan Joins as Partner Country
Organised by the Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers in partnership with FICCI, India Chem 2026 is being held over three days under the theme “Advantage Bharat: An Emerging Global Chemicals Hub.”
Japan is the partner country for this edition, while Maharashtra, Gujarat, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh are participating as partner states.
The event features an international exhibition at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, NESCO, showcasing products, technologies, equipment and services across chemicals, petrochemicals and process plant machinery.
According to the organisers, the event includes more than 200 Indian and international exhibitors, over 8,000 business visitors and 50 leading Indian and international chief executives. Participants include representatives from Japan, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, the European Union, Latin America, South Korea and ASEAN countries.
Youth Innovation Challenge Introduced
The 14th edition also introduces the India Chem Youth Innovation Challenge, aimed at engaging students, young innovators and emerging entrepreneurs in developing research-based and practical solutions to challenges facing the chemicals and petrochemicals industries.
Through its exhibition, conference and business interactions, India Chem 2026 aims to connect international expertise with India’s manufacturing capabilities and investment opportunities while supporting the sector’s industrial development.
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