Mumbai, 16 March 2026:
The Indian Chemical Council (ICC) successfully hosted the 19th Annual India Chemical Industry Outlook Conference & Exhibition on 11–12 March 2026 in Mumbai, convening leading global and Indian industry stakeholders to deliberate on the future of the chemicals sector.
The highlight of the conference was the CEO Roundtable with Shri Devendra Fadnavis, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Maharashtra, who engaged with over 100 CEOs and senior leaders from the chemical and petrochemical industry. The interaction reflected strong alignment between industry and government on accelerating Maharashtra’s growth as a leading chemicals manufacturing hub.
The Hon’ble Chief Minister reiterated the Government’s commitment to strengthening the sector through:
- Improved ease and cost of doing business
- Time-bound and faster environmental clearances
- Stronger industry–academia collaboration
- Development of integrated chemical hubs with plug-and-play infrastructure
He emphasized that these initiatives will be critical in positioning Maharashtra as a globally competitive and investment-ready destination for the chemical industry.
Held under the theme “Shaping a Competitive and Resilient Chemical Industry for India,” the conference brought together senior global and Indian leaders with McKinsey & Company as the knowledge partners.
Discussions in the inaugural session and subsequent panels highlighted:
- The growing impact of geopolitical disruptions on energy prices, feedstock availability, and global trade flows
- The importance of free trade agreements in enabling scale and competitiveness
- The need for resilient, diversified, and future-ready supply chains
- Increasing adoption of digitalisation, artificial intelligence, and advanced technologies
A key milestone was the launch of a whitepaper titled “From Challenges to Possibilities: Leading India’s Chemicals Industry through Global Headwinds,” by McKinsey & Company providing strategic insights into navigating current global uncertainties.
The conference featured a series of high-level panel discussions focusing on:
- Global market shifts and China’s evolving chemicals landscape
- Margin improvement and value-focused growth strategies
- Identification of new growth engines across specialty chemicals, construction chemicals, biopharma, and green chemistry
- Strengthening infrastructure, logistics, and chemical parks
Industry leaders underscored that India is well-positioned to leverage ongoing global supply chain realignments and emerge as a key player in global manufacturing and innovation.
Ms. Ramya Bharathram, President, ICC and MD,Thirumalai Chemicals Ltd, while delivering the welcome address, shared her perspectives on the Indian chemicals industry, highlighting its growth trajectory, resilience, and emerging global opportunities.
Mr. Samir Somaiya, Vice President, ICC and CMD, Godavari Biorefineries Ltd, delivered the Concluding Remarks and Vote of Thanks for the Inaugural Session.
The second day focused on building a future-ready chemical industry, with sessions on:
- The transformative role of Generative AI in R&D and manufacturing
- A Start-up Bootcamp showcasing emerging innovations across biotechnology, advanced materials, and digital platforms
- Enhancing safety frameworks and operational excellence
- Advancing sustainability and pathways to net-zero emissions
Deliberations also highlighted the importance of talent development, diversity, and stronger industry–academia partnerships to address evolving skill requirements in a technology-driven landscape.
The conference concluded with vote of thanks from D. Sothi Selvam, Director General, ICC, expressing appreciation to all participants, speakers, and partners for their valuable contributions.
Over two days, the event reinforced its position as one of India’s most influential platforms for the chemical industry—enabling dialogue, fostering collaboration, and shaping the strategic direction of the sector amid a rapidly changing global environment.
About the Indian Chemical Council (ICC)
Established in 1938, the Indian Chemical Council is the apex national body that has been the voice of the Indian chemical industry for over eight decades. With a membership of over 500 Indian and multinational companies (representing 80% of the Indian Chemical & Petrochemical Industry valued at USD 235 Billion), across the entire spectrum-including organic & inorganic chemicals, petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, dyes, paints, and specialty chemicals-the ICC plays a vital role through policy advocacy, knowledge dissemination, and recognition of excellence. It is dedicated to shaping a safe, sustainable, and globally competitive future for the sector. ICC is the full member of International Council of Chemical associations representing India in the Global arena.