J. P. Nadda Opens 14th India Chem 2026 in Mumbai

Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilizers and for Health and Family Welfare J. P. Nadda inaugurated the 14th edition of India Chem 2026 in Mumbai on 22 October 2026. The three-day international exhibition and conference is organised by the Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI).

Theme, partner country and partner states

The event is held under the theme 'Advantage Bharat: An Emerging Global Chemicals Hub'. Japan has come in as the partner country. Seven states are partner states: Maharashtra, Gujarat, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. A new feature of this edition is the India Chem Youth Innovation Challenge, meant to draw students and young entrepreneurs towards the sector's problems.

The BHAVYA Rasayan Scheme

Shri Nadda said the government was offering the sector its most favourable environment yet and called the BHAVYA Rasayan Scheme a game changer. He listed connectivity to ports, railways, airports and roads, together with integrated value chains, as the considerations for building globally competitive manufacturing hubs under it. Minister of State Anupriya Patel said the scheme, whose full name is the Bharat Audyogik Vikas Yojana, has been launched for three new dedicated chemical parks, and urged states to engage closely because they will carry much of the implementation.

Prime Minister's message and the states

Shri Nadda read out a message from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who said easier business rules and India's widening network of free trade agreements were opening fresh avenues for investment and market access, and hoped the event would produce partnerships aiding the sector's long-term development. Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis of Maharashtra, Mohan Yadav of Madhya Pradesh and Mohan Charan Majhi of Odisha addressed the gathering; Shri Fadnavis said the chemical industry employs around three lakh people in his state.

The figures that matter

The Indian chemical industry is projected to reach USD 300 billion by 2030 and USD 1 trillion by 2040. The minister tied the sector to the goal of a developed India by 2047. The exhibition at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, NESCO, draws over 200 Indian and international exhibitors, more than 8,000 business visitors and 50 leading chief executives. A knowledge paper prepared jointly by FICCI and Ernst & Young was released at the inaugural session.