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With DR@BC, Bombay Chamber reinforces its role as a neutral partner in business conflict resolution

Mumbai: The Bombay Chamber of Commerce & Industry, India’s oldest operating chamber of commerce, has launched a dedicated website for its alternative dispute resolution services – Dispute Resolution @ Bombay Chamber (DR@BC) – a milestone that reinforces the Chamber’s role in shaping India’s evolving dispute resolution landscape.

As India’s economy continues to expand, the rise in complex business transactions demands mechanisms that are swift, confidential, and commercially sound. Traditional litigation – often burdened with delays and backlogs – has highlighted the need for robust alternatives that uphold the integrity of commercial relationships while delivering timely outcomes.

DR@BC addresses this need head-on, providing an institutional platform for Mediation, Arbitration, Conciliation, and Neutral Evaluation. The newly launched website enhances access to these services – enabling corporates, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), professionals, and other stakeholders to understand procedures, initiate matters, and browse profiles of DR@BC’s distinguished panel of arbitrators and mediators.

In alignment with contemporary business expectations, DR@BC offers flexible formats for resolving disputes. Depending on preference and context, parties can opt for online hearings via secure virtual platforms, in-person proceedings at DR@BC’s Mumbai facility, or hybrid models – ensuring convenience without compromising on procedural integrity.

The centre is equipped with a dedicated meeting / conference room for arbitration and mediation discussions, and infrastructure designed for confidentiality and efficiency. A team of trained support professionals ensures seamless coordination for both physical and digital sessions.

Commenting on the alternative dispute resolution services offerings, Sandeep Khosla, Director General, Bombay Chamber of Commerce & Industry, said, “With the DR@BC website, we reaffirm our commitment to empowering India’s business community with dispute resolution avenues that are timely, confidential, and globally aligned. As commerce becomes more dynamic, the ability to resolve conflicts efficiently is vital to economic resilience and stakeholder trust.”

The initiative reflects the Chamber’s broader mission to enhance India’s business climate by easing judicial burdens and promoting collaborative, commercially viable solutions. For more information or to submit a query, please visit the Dispute Resolution @ Bombay Chamber (DR@BC) page at https://adr.bombaychamber.com.

India-U.S. interim trade deal nearing completion amid agricultural deadlock

Mumbai: India and the United States are on the cusp of finalising an interim trade agreement, expected to be signed soon. The deal is aimed at pausing the reciprocal tariffs imposed during the Trump administration, with July 9 set as a critical deadline.

Negotiators from both nations have made substantial progress, but a decisive hurdle remains: India’s staunch refusal to fully open its agriculture and dairy markets to American imports. Officials from the Indian delegation have described agriculture as a “non-negotiable” pillar of national interest – both economically and culturally.

While the U.S. seeks wider access to Indian markets for genetically modified crops, dairy products, and ethanol, India has cited domestic sensitivities and structural constraints. Concerns over food safety, smallholder farm vulnerabilities, and ethical dietary norms have driven New Delhi’s resistance to American agricultural standards.

India’s Ethanol Blended Petrol program — which relies on sugarcane and grains — is another sticking point. Importing U.S. ethanol could undercut domestic production and compromise energy security.

Balancing Trade Ambitions and Rural Realities

Agriculture sustains nearly half of India’s population. Experts warn that an influx of subsidised U.S. goods could destabilise rural livelihoods and reignite tensions reminiscent of the 2021 farmer protests. There are also fears that tariff concessions may erode India’s Minimum Support Price (MSP) framework, a key safety net for its farming community.

The asymmetry in farm scale and tariffs adds complexity. American farms average over 180 hectares, operate with advanced mechanisation, and enjoy low trade barriers — unlike India’s predominantly manual, micro-scale farming landscape, where tariffs range up to 150%.

Instead of making concessions in agriculture, India is pushing for expanded access for labour-intensive sectors like textiles and manufacturing, which fuel employment and export growth. The interim deal, if sealed, could potentially boost bilateral trade to $500 billion and lay the groundwork for broader economic cooperation.

India’s protective stance on agriculture mirrors its approach in other trade agreements — including the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which it exited in 2019, and ongoing negotiations with the UK and European Union. Dairy and genetically modified (GM) crops remain consistent red lines.

As talks enter their final phase, all eyes are on whether Washington and New Delhi can bridge differences — or if agriculture will once again be the dealbreaker.

(Write to us at editorial@bombaychamber.com)

Ref.: MCM/ADM/11 07 July 2025

The Director General

Bombay Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Mackinnon Mackenzie Building

3rd floor, 4, Shoorji Vallabhdas Road

Ballard Estate, Mumbai – 400 001

Dear Sir/Madam,

Invitation for Bids

Please see enclosed notices for invitation for bids from organizations in Mauritius.

Prospective bidders may be requested to regularly visit the website to take cognizance of any addendum and/or clarification(s) issued.

The Consulate would highly appreciate if you could kindly circulate the Notices among the members of your Organization.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Yours sincerely,

D. K. Bucktowar
Consul and Head of Mission
Consulate of the Republic of Mauritius
1107, Regent Chambers

11th Floor, Jamnalal Bajaj Marg

208, Nariman Point

Mumbai – 400 021

Tel. : 022 22825421 /22

Fax No. 022 22845468

Thanks & Regards
The Embassy of Egypt
Commercial and Economic Affairs Office

1/50M, Niti Marg-Chanakyapuri-New Delhi-110021

Tel: +91-11-21610777/26873818

Email: newdelhi@ecs.gov.eg

Indian diamond industry braces for downturn amid tariffs and shifting demand

Mumbai: India’s cut and polished diamond (CPD) industry is confronting another challenging year, as export volumes are expected to decline by up to 10 percent on a year-on-year basis to about $12 billion in FY2026. Industry sentiment remains subdued following the steep 17 percent contraction to $13 billion in FY2025, driven by global economic headwinds, heightened competition from lab-grown diamonds (LGDs), and a pronounced drop in demand across key markets including the United States and China.

ICRA, in its latest report, has maintained a negative outlook for the sector, cautioning that the imposition of US tariffs and ongoing preference for LGDs may further erode profitability. A baseline tariff of 10 percent currently applies to Indian CPD exports to the US — a pivotal market accounting for over a third of outbound shipments. Diamantaires are exploring rerouting options through regions such as Dubai, Belgium, and Israel to offset tariff burdens and retain competitiveness.

While demand for LGDs continues to climb, capturing 8 percent of India’s polished diamond export value in FY2025, the sharp price correction — driven by technological advances and new market entrants — has squeezed margins. In contrast, fancy coloured diamonds (FCDs) have demonstrated relative price stability, offering a buffer for companies dealing in niche, high-quality stones.

Polished diamond prices reached historic lows in the second half (H2) of FY2025 and are expected to remain range-bound through the first half (H1) of FY2026. Meanwhile, rough diamond imports have declined sharply, reflecting cautious inventory management and weak global appetite. Despite reductions in procurement and extended seasonal closures, working capital cycles remain stretched, and operating margins for ICRA-rated entities are forecast to dip further to around 3.6-3.7 percent.

Survey responses from leading CPD players indicate muted optimism. Over 75 percent expect export volumes to be impacted by tariffs, while nearly 90 percent anticipate re-routing through favourable trade hubs. Most diamantaires predict stagnant rough prices, and volume degrowth exceeding 10 percent remains a concern.

As the industry recalibrates its strategies, success hinges on balancing cost controls with evolving consumer preferences. With bridal jewellery and luxury spending showing early signs of recovery in select markets, companies are watching closely for a demand revival in H2 FY2026.

(Write to us at editorial@bombaychamber.com)

Corporate India redefines diversity through wellness, inclusion, and empathy

Mumbai: The landscape of workplace diversity is undergoing a profound transformation, revealing complex layers of challenges and innovative solutions across corporate India. At the heart of this evolution lies a nuanced understanding that diversity extends far beyond gender representation, encompassing mental wellness, infrastructure, cultural mindsets, and systemic barriers.

At the recently concluded Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Forum & Awards 2025, hosted by the Bombay Chamber of Commerce and Industry, participating organisations discussed in detail the idea that true inclusion requires a holistic approach. Companies like Novo Nordisk India are pioneering initiatives that strategically recruit talent from tier-two cities, creating pathways for women who might otherwise be overlooked. Similarly, Aditya Birla Capital has achieved a remarkable 30 percent diversity rate by implementing comprehensive wellness programmes that address not only professional challenges but also personal health concerns such as menopause, hormonal changes, and mental well-being.

The conversation around diversity is increasingly intersectional, moving beyond binary gender discussions to embrace LGBTQ+ representation. Companies like Crompton Greaves and Raymond Ltd have taken a groundbreaking approach by integrating LGBTQ+ professionals into design departments, demonstrating how diverse perspectives can be transformative. This approach challenges traditional workplace structures and unlocks innovative potential.

Infrastructure has emerged as a critical yet often overlooked aspect of inclusion. Speakers at the DEI Forum & Awards 2025 highlighted the stark reality that many operational roles remain inaccessible to women due to inadequate sanitation and hygiene facilities. This infrastructure gap reflects deeper systemic challenges that require deliberate, organisation-wide commitment to change.

Cultural transformation is equally crucial. Participants candidly discussed how deeply ingrained societal norms perpetuate gender inequalities—from childhood conditioning that prioritises male needs to workplace environments that expect women to silently endure challenges. Breaking these cycles demands conscious effort at individual, organisational, and societal levels.

Mental wellness has emerged as a pivotal dimension of inclusive workplaces. Stockholding Corporation’s comprehensive approach—which includes counselling sessions, flexible work policies, and extensive health coverage—represents a progressive model of employee support that transcends traditional diversity metrics.

Particularly compelling was the discussion around Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), where invisible barriers such as the ‘glass ceiling’ and ‘sticky floor’ significantly impede women’s professional growth. These organisations require targeted interventions to create equitable opportunities.

Speakers emphasised that diversity cannot be an HR-driven initiative alone—it must be embraced by business leadership. The most successful approaches integrate diversity strategies into the core organisational DNA, viewing inclusion as a strategic imperative rather than a compliance exercise.

Innovative companies are extending their diversity efforts beyond corporate boundaries. Aditya Birla Capital’s collaboration with UN Women to conduct financial literacy programmes in rural areas exemplifies how organisational commitment can drive broader societal transformation.

The emerging narrative is clear — diversity, equity, and inclusion are not static concepts but dynamic, evolving strategies that require continuous learning, adaptation, and genuine commitment. Success lies not in tokenistic representation, but in creating environments where every individual, regardless of gender, background, or ability, can thrive and contribute meaningfully.

As organisations navigate this complex landscape, the key lies in fostering a culture of empathy, understanding, and genuine respect — transforming workplaces from mere employment spaces into platforms for human potential and collective growth.

(Write to us at editorial@bombaychamber.com)

My No. MUM/TRD/TENDERS

Mr. Sandeep Khosla

Director General

Bombay Chamber of Commerce & Industry

Dear Mr. Sandeep Khosla,

Invitation for Bids (IFB) – State Pharmaceuticals Manufacturing Corporation of Sri Lanka

Bid Ref. No. – SPMC/02/2025 – Pharmaceutical Raw Materials

I wish to inform you that, the Chairman, Procurement Committee, State Pharmaceuticals Manufacturing Corporation of Sri Lanka has invited sealed bids for the supply of Pharmaceutical Raw Materials.

Foreign principals who are not represented by local agents may download the Bid Document from SPMC Website. Such offers must be accompanied by a bank draft in US dollars, equivalent to the bid document fee.

Closing date for the submission of above IFB is on 30th July 2025 at 10.00 am (Sri Lanka local time GMT+5:30).

Please find attached herewith a copy of the bid notice of the above.

It would be appreciated, if you could kindly make necessary arrangements to disseminate the same among your membership.

Thank you.

With warm regards,

Shirani Ariyarathne

Actg. Consul General

Minister (Commercial)

Consulate General of Sri Lanka

34, Homi Mody Street, Fort

Mumbai 400001

Tel: (+ 91 22 )22045861/22048303

Fax: (+ 91 22) 22876132

E -mail: slcg.mumbai@mfa.gov.lk

My No. MUM/TRD/TENDERS

Mr. Sandeep Khosla

Director General

Bombay Chamber of Commerce & Industry

Dear Mr. Sandeep Khosla,

Invitation for Bids – SriLankan Airlines Ltd

Ref. No. 202530179

I wish to inform you that, Chairman of Enterprise Procurement Committee, Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development on behalf of SriLankan Airlines Ltd. has invited bids for the following;

Please find attached herewith a copy of the procurement notices of the above.

It would be appreciated, if you could kindly make necessary arrangements to disseminate the same among your membership.

Thank you.

With warm regards,

Shirani Ariyarathne

Actg. Consul General

Minister (Commercial)

Consulate General of Sri Lanka

34, Homi Mody Street, Fort

Mumbai 400001

Tel: (+ 91 22 )22045861/22048303

Fax: (+ 91 22) 22876132

E -mail: slcg.mumbai@mfa.gov.lk