Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilizers and Health and Family Welfare, Shri J.P. Nadda, inaugurated the 14th edition of India Chem 2026 at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, NESCO in Mumbai on October 22, 2026. The three-day international exhibition and conference is organized by the Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals (DCPC), Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, in partnership with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI).
The event, held under the theme 'Advantage Bharat: An Emerging Global Chemicals Hub,' brings together key stakeholders including industry leaders, policymakers, investors, researchers, and international participants. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, in his message to the event, stated that India's improving ease of doing business and expanding network of Free Trade Agreements are opening new avenues for investment and access to international markets, expressing confidence that Indian chemical manufacturers would strengthen their presence in global supply chains.
Union Minister Nadda announced that the government is providing the most conducive environment for the chemical sector and highlighted the BHAVYA Rasayan Scheme (Bharat Audyogik Vikas Yojna) as a game changer for the chemicals sector. The scheme involves developing three new dedicated chemical parks with connectivity to ports, railways, airports, and roads, along with integrated value chains to create globally competitive chemical manufacturing hubs.
The Indian chemical industry is projected to reach USD 300 billion by 2030 and USD 1 trillion by 2040, supported by rising domestic demand, expanding export opportunities, India's demographic dividend, relatively low per capita consumption, and enabling government initiatives. Japan joined as the Partner Country for India Chem 2026, while Maharashtra, Gujarat, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh participated as Partner States.
Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis (Maharashtra), Dr. Mohan Yadav (Madhya Pradesh), and Shri Mohan Charan Manjhi (Odisha) addressed the gathering, highlighting investment opportunities in their states. Fadnavis noted that Maharashtra's chemical industry employs approximately three lakh people and the state is preparing an investment-friendly policy based on ease of doing business.
Union Minister of State Smt. Anupriya Patel emphasized the pivotal position of the chemical and petrochemicals industry in meeting basic needs and improving quality of life, urging industry leaders to utilize government incentives and opportunities. Secretary of the Department of Chemicals & Petrochemicals, Shri Tejveer Singh, detailed the event's scope, which includes focused group discussions on various subsectors.
The event features over 200 Indian and international exhibitors, more than 8,000 business visitors from India and abroad, and 50 leading Indian and international CEOs. Participants include representatives from Japan, the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, European Union countries, Latin America, Republic of Korea, and ASEAN nations.
A key new feature is the India Chem Youth Innovation Challenge, aimed at engaging young innovators, students, and emerging entrepreneurs with practical solutions to industry challenges. A knowledge paper prepared jointly by FICCI and Ernst & Young (EY) was released during the inaugural session.