- CII Chemicals & Petrochemicals Expo 2025 sets the stage for technology-led, sustainable, and globally competitive growth
- Industry leaders highlight digital transformation as a game-changer for MSMEs and manufacturing ecosystems
- “Like MG Motors, we need joint ventures with Chinese firms in chemicals too,” says Jayanti Patel; Mukundan urges Industry 4.0 readiness
- Gujarat’s dynamic ecosystem hailed as the Chemical and Petrochemical Gateway of India
R MANICKAVASAGAM
GANDHINAGAR, NOV 12
India’s chemical and petrochemical industry is undergoing a strategic transformation, driven by digitalisation, sustainability, and global collaborations, as underscored at the CII Chemicals and Petrochemicals Expo 2025 (CPX 2025) that began on Wednesday at Mahatma Mandir, Gandhinagar.
Organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) with the support of the Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals, Government of India, the three-day Expo from November 12–14 is showcasing India’s potential to become a global innovation and investment hub in chemicals and allied sectors.
Key dignitaries present at the inaugural ceremony included R. Mukundan, President Designate, CII, and Managing Director, Tata Chemicals Ltd; Rupark Sarswat, Chairman, CPX 2025 and CEO, India Glycols Ltd; Premraj Keshyep, Chairman, CII Gujarat State Council and MD, Conmat Heavy Industries Pvt. Ltd; Jayanti Patel, MD, Meghmani Chemicals; and Ankur Singh Chauhan, Executive Director, CII.
Digital Transformation: The New Growth Catalyst
In his keynote address, R. Mukundan outlined four strategic pillars to propel India’s chemicals and petrochemicals sector towards global leadership — competitiveness, skilled talent, Industry 4.0 adoption, and sustainability.
“We have to work closely with policymakers and invest in young talent to build future-ready leaders and skilled staff,” said Mukundan.
“Digital transformation is no longer optional. For MSMEs in the manufacturing sector, embracing AI, IoT, and advanced analytics is critical to improving productivity, ensuring process safety, and achieving sustainable growth.”
He noted that the digital shift across MSMEs in manufacturing is fostering resilience, transparency, and global competitiveness, allowing small and medium enterprises to integrate into high-value global supply chains.
Strategic Alliances to Power Growth
In a strong pitch for global partnerships, Jayanti Patel, MD, Meghmani Chemicals, called for deeper international collaborations to access advanced technologies and capital.
“We must reduce dependence on a narrow set of markets and explore regional and bilateral trade opportunities,” he said.
“Like MG Motors, we ought to have joint ventures with Chinese companies in the chemical and petrochemical sectors. Such alliances will help India accelerate technology adoption, boost capacity, and strengthen our position in global specialty and performance chemicals.”
Gujarat: The Nucleus of India’s Chemical Industry
Premraj Keshyep highlighted Gujarat’s pre-eminence as India’s industrial powerhouse.
“Gujarat is rightly called the ‘Chemical and Petrochemical Gateway of India.’ Its infrastructure, skilled workforce, and policy support make it a model state for global investors,” he said.
He encouraged delegates to make the most of the three-day Expo, where discussions on trade, technology, and innovation would translate into tangible business collaborations.
Expo Themes and Key Exhibitors
The Expo features over 100 leading companies, including Reliance Industries, Tata Chemicals, ONGC, GACL, GNFC, Deepak Nitrite, Dai-ichi Karkaria, Emerson, IIT Gandhinagar, Adage Automation, Mysore Ammonia & Chemicals, and Moglix.
Conference sessions delve into critical themes such as:
- Navigating Global Trade Challenges
- Becoming Future-Ready with AI and Digitalisation
- Emerging Regulations in the Chemical and Petrochemical Sector
India’s MSMEs Embrace Smart Manufacturing
A major highlight of CPX 2025 is how digital transformation is reshaping MSME manufacturing in the chemical ecosystem.
With AI-driven process control, robotics, and predictive maintenance, MSMEs are evolving from cost-sensitive suppliers to innovation partners in global chemical production networks.
This shift is enabling faster product development, lower waste generation, and stronger environmental compliance, reinforcing India’s leadership in sustainable industrialisation.
🔹 Driving the Digital Revolution
Digitalisation, AI, and automation are transforming MSME-led manufacturing, making Indian chemical producers globally competitive and environmentally responsible.
🔹 Partnerships for Progress
Leaders call for global joint ventures, especially with Chinese firms, to scale innovation and boost India’s participation in specialty chemicals.
🔹 Gujarat: India’s Industrial Powerhouse
With world-class infrastructure and policy reforms, Gujarat continues to anchor India’s chemical and petrochemical growth story.
