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Maharashtra to transform farming with Rs 300 crore ‘Clean Plant’ projects guaranteeing disease-free crops

Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri. Shivraj Singh Chouhan speaking at India’s first International Agri Hackathon in Pune. Image Courtesy: Press Information Bureau – pib.gov.in.

Mumbai: Maharashtra is set to witness a significant advancement in its horticulture sector with the launch of the Central Government’s ‘Clean Plant’ programme, an initiative designed to ensure disease-free cultivation and enhance agricultural productivity.

“In all 9 ‘Clean Plant’ projects will be started across the country, out of which three projects will be set up in Maharashtra,” said Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan. He also reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to strengthening India’s agricultural foundations and ensuring its global competitiveness.

Announced during the concluding session of India’s first International Agri Hackathon in Pune, the programme aims to transform the availability and quality of plants for farmers through advanced technology and strategic global partnerships.

With a total investment of Rs 300 crore, the three specialised ‘Clean Plant’ projects to be established in Maharashtra will come up in Pune for grapes, Nagpur for oranges, and Solapur for pomegranates. These centres will provide disease-free plants to farmers, addressing one of the most pressing concerns in horticulture.

Complementing these efforts, modern nurseries will also be established, offering technology-driven support to agricultural stakeholders. Large nurseries will receive Rs 3 crore in funding, while medium-sized ones will be allocated Rs 1.5 crore, with a target of supplying eight crore disease-free seedlings annually.

Shri Chouhan emphasised Maharashtra’s pivotal role in shaping India’s horticultural landscape, lauding its record production of grapes, pomegranates, oranges, chickpeas, and various vegetables. He expressed confidence that the state’s horticulture industry will soon compete on an international scale. He also highlighted that global expertise, including collaboration with Israel and the Netherlands, would be leveraged to implement the programme effectively.

Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri Devendra Fadnavis, underscored the need to integrate modern technology into agriculture, citing climate change-induced challenges. He stressed that initiatives such as the Pune Agri Hackathon will be instrumental in incubating viable solutions that can be directly transferred to farmers, ultimately boosting productivity.

The Union Minister further reiterated that a developed India hinges on prosperous farmers and a robust agricultural framework. He announced a concerted effort to bridge the gap between scientific research and its application, through the ‘Lab to Land’ programme. As part of this initiative, sixteen thousand scientists will collaborate directly with farmers to enhance yield, reduce costs, and optimise market linkages.

The event also recognised and awarded outstanding contributions from startups, agri-innovators, and enterprising farmers across several categories, including Artificial Intelligence in Agriculture, Soil and Irrigation Management, and Post-Harvest Technologies. As Maharashtra embarks on this transformative journey, the Clean Plant programme stands as a testament to the Government’s dedication to agricultural excellence and food security.

(Write to us at editorial@bombaychamber.com)

NITI Aayog unveils strategic roadmap to unlock the potential of medium enterprises

Mumbai: NITI Aayog in a recent report titled ‘Designing a Policy for Medium Enterprises’ outlined a strategic roadmap to harness the untapped potential of medium-sized businesses as key drivers of India’s economic growth. The report, launched by Shri Suman Bery, Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog, in the presence of Dr. V.K. Saraswat and Dr. Arvind Virmani, Members of NITI Aayog, underscores the significant yet underutilised role of medium enterprises in the country’s industrial landscape.

Despite contributing nearly 40% of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) exports, medium enterprises form only 0.3% of the registered MSME sector, which itself accounts for approximately 29% of India’s gross domestic product (GDP), 40% of exports, and more than 60% of employment. This structural imbalance, where 97% of MSMEs are micro enterprises and only 2.7% are small enterprises, has limited the ability of medium-sized businesses to scale, innovate, and compete globally.

The report identifies several critical challenges hindering the growth of medium enterprises, including restricted access to customised financial products, limited technological adoption, insufficient research and development (R&D) support, inadequate sector-specific testing infrastructure, and misalignment between training programmes and business needs. To overcome these barriers, NITI Aayog has proposed a comprehensive policy framework focusing on six priority areas.

Among its key recommendations is the introduction of tailored financial solutions, including a working capital financing scheme linked to enterprise turnover, a ₹5 crore credit card facility at market rates, and streamlined fund disbursal mechanisms through retail banks. Technology integration is also emphasised, with plans to upgrade existing Technology Centers into India SME 4.0 Competence Centers designed to accelerate the adoption of advanced industrial solutions. The report further calls for the establishment of a dedicated R&D cell within the Ministry of MSME, leveraging the Self-Reliant India Fund for cluster-based projects of national importance.

In addition, the framework advocates for the creation of sector-focused testing and certification facilities to ease compliance burdens and improve product quality. Recognising the need for specialised skill development, the report recommends aligning training programmes with enterprise-specific requirements and incorporating medium enterprise-centric modules into Entrepreneurship and Skill Development Programmes (ESDPs). To enhance accessibility, a dedicated sub-portal within the Udyam platform is proposed, offering scheme discovery tools, compliance guidance, and artificial intelligence-driven assistance.

NITI Aayog stresses that empowering medium enterprises through inclusive policy design and collaborative governance is essential to unlocking their full potential. With strategic interventions across finance, technology, infrastructure, skilling, and digital access, medium enterprises are poised to emerge as vital engines of innovation, employment generation, and export growth. This transformation is crucial for India’s long-term industrial competitiveness and aligns with the broader vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.

Key Highlights

• Medium enterprises are the future large enterprises and the drivers of Viksit Bharat @2047
• The MSME sector contributes 29% to India’s GDP and employs over 60% of the workforce
• Medium enterprises, though only 0.3% of MSMEs, contribute 40% of MSME exports, showcasing immense untapped potential
• Focus on tailored financial tools, Technology Integration and Industry 4.0, Cluster-Based Testing Facilities, R&D, Skill Development, and a Centralised Digital Portal

(Write to us at editorial@bombaychamber.com)

47 New National Waterways (NWs) to be operational by 2027; Cargo volume to rise up to 156 MTPA by 2026”: Sarbananda Sonowal

Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, today chaired a meeting of the Consultative Committee on Inland Waterways Transport in Mumbai, where it was revealed that 76 waterways are targeted to be made operational by 2027, with cargo volume expected to surge by 156 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) by end of FY 2026. The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), the nodal agency under the Ministry, presented a comprehensive review of major projects, future projections, and the roadmap ahead. Members of Parliament attending the meeting acknowledged and appreciated the progress made and supported increased budgetary allocations to boost the sector’s growth.

The footprint of inland water transport is expected to expand significantly—from 11 states in FY 2024 to 23 states and 4 Union Territories by FY 2027. To support this growth, projects worth ₹1,400 crore were launched or announced during the Inland Waterways Development Council (IWDC) meeting held on January 10, 2025. Additionally, the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) is conducting 10,000 km of longitudinal survey each month to assess Least Available Depth (LAD) for improved navigability. Cargo Volume is likely to make an incremental growth up to 156 MTPA by March, 2026 inching closer towards the Maritime India Vision 2030 target of 200 MTPA.

Speaking on the occasion, the Union Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal said, “Inland waterways are emerging as the watershed moment in India’s logistics and transport ecosystem. Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji, we are witnessing a transformational shift with policy interventions like the National Waterways Act, 2016, the Inland Vessels Act, 2021 and supplemented by multiple programmes like Jal Marg Vikas Project, Arth Ganga, Jalvahak scheme, Jal Samriddhi scheme, Jalyan & Navic among others. Through Maritime India Vision 2030 and the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047. These roadmaps are not just policy documents—they are catalysts driving India toward becoming a global maritime powerhouse. Today’s meeting with esteemed Members of Parliament reflects a unified commitment to boost infrastructure and unlock the immense economic potential of our rivers and coasts. With enhanced budgetary support and cooperative federalism, we are building a greener, more efficient, and future-ready waterway network across the country.”

The Regional Waterways Grid aims to boost economic activity by ensuring seamless vessel movement from Varanasi to Dibrugarh, Karimganj, and Badarpur via the IBP route, creating a 4,067 km economic corridor. A traffic study and DPR for renovating the Jangipur navigation lock are underway. The project’s cargo potential is estimated at 32.2 MMTPA by 2033.

On NW 1 (Ganga), a dedicated waterway corridor spanning 1,390 km is being developed to enable seamless movement of vessels, enhancing the efficiency of inland transport. As part of this initiative, capacity augmentation of NW-1 is underway to support the navigation of 1,500–2,000 DWT vessels, alongside the creation of key cargo handling facilities at Varanasi (MMT), Kalughat (IMT), Sahibganj (MMT), and Haldia (MMT).

Inland Waterways has major projects in the Northeast. A ₹5,000 crore roadmap is planned over the next five years. On NW-2 (Brahmaputra), four permanent terminals—Dhubri, Jogighopa, Pandu, and Bogibeel—and 13 floating terminals are supported by fairway and navigation upgrades. A ₹208 crore ship repair facility at Pandu and a ₹180 crore alternative road are set for completion by 2026 and 2025, respectively. On NW-16 (Barak), terminals at Karimganj and Badarpur are active, while NW-31 (Dhansiri) is being developed to support NRL’s expansion.

Adding further, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal said, “In line with the Harit Nauka Guidelines, the Inland Waterways Authority is committed to green and sustainable transport solutions, including the procurement of electric catamarans and hydrogen fuel cell-powered vessels. By strengthening urban water transport through water metro projects and promoting eco-friendly cruise tourism, we are paving the way for a cleaner, greener future in inland waterways transportation. The Regional Waterways Grid aims to seamlessly connect Assam and the Northeast with the rest of India through an integrated network of inland waterways. This will boost regional trade, tourism, and connectivity while unlocking economic potential across the Brahmaputra and Barak River systems. Government is also working on a ₹5,000 crore roadmap for Inland Waterways Development in Northeast Over Next 5 Years.”

The committee also reviewed the ongoing works on NW -1 (river Ganga), NW 2 (Brahmaputra) among other states like Odisha, Jammu & Kashmir, Goa, Kerala, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu.
India’s river cruise tourism is witnessing robust growth, with 15 river cruise circuits now operational across 13 National Waterways (NWs) spanning nine states. The number of NWs supporting river cruises has risen from just three in 2013-14 to 13 in 2024-25, while luxury river cruise vessels have increased significantly from three to 25 during the same period. To further boost inland water-based tourism, 51 additional cruise circuits have been identified on 47 NWs for development by 2027. Three World class river cruise terminals are also planned, with construction underway at Kolkata. Feasibility studies for terminals at Varanasi and Guwahati are being conducted by IIT Madras, while four more terminals at Silghat, Bishwanath Ghat, Neamati, and Guijan are set to be developed by 2027.

Speaking on the occasion, Minister of State for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shri Shantanu Thakur said, “Special efforts are underway to advance river cruise tourism across India by developing modern cruise terminals and related infrastructure. Through strategic partnerships and MoUs with private enterprises, we are boosting luxury river cruises on the Ganga and Brahmaputra, while also expanding cruise tourism on the Yamuna, Narmada, and key rivers in Jammu & Kashmir. These initiatives not only promote tourism but also contribute to sustainable economic growth in the regions we serve.”

The Consultative Committee meeting was chaired by the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal while Minister of State for Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Shri Shantanu Thakur was also present. The meeting was attended by Shatrughan Prasad Sinha, Lok Sabha MP (Asansol, West Bengal), Bibhu Prasad Tarai, Lok Sabha MP (Jagdispur, Odisha), Hibi Eden, Lok Sabha MP (Ernakulum, Kerala), M.K. Raghavan, Lok Sabha MP (Kozhikode, Kerala), Naba Charan Majhi, Lok Sabha MP (Mayurbhanj, Odisha), Abhimanyu Sethi, Lok Sabha MP (Odisha) and Seema Dwivedi (Rajya Sabha MP from Uttar Pradesh).

MSME credit growth in India soars to ₹35.2 lakh crore amid financial resilience

India’s Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector has seen robust growth in its commercial credit portfolio, rising by 13% year-over-year (YoY) as the total credit exposure reached Rs 35.2 lakh crore by the end of March 2025. This surge has primarily been attributed to an increased supply of credit to existing borrowers, as outlined in the latest MSME Pulse Report from TransUnion CIBIL and the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI). The MSME sector includes borrowers with credit exposures up to Rs 50 crore.

Alongside this expansion in credit, the sector has witnessed a notable improvement in balance-level serious delinquencies — measured as 90 to 720 days past due (DPD) and reported as ‘sub-standard’, which dropped to a five-year low of 1.8%. This improvement, particularly among borrowers with exposures ranging from Rs 50 lakh to Rs 50 crore, marked a 35 basis points decline from the previous year. In contrast, borrowers with exposures of up to Rs 10 lakh saw a slight deterioration, with delinquency levels climbing to 5.8% from 5.1% a year earlier. Similarly, delinquency rates among those with exposures between Rs 10 lakh and Rs 50 lakh rose marginally to 2.9%.

Highlighting the significance of MSMEs to the economy, Manoj Mittal, Chairman and Managing Director of SIDBI, noted that the sector plays a vital role in employment generation and export growth. “Though the credit flow to the sector has improved over the years, the sector still has an addressable credit gap. Providing support to MSMEs can help the sector’s growth and aid the overall economic growth of our country,” he said, underscoring the need for continued efforts to foster innovation, enhance skill development and improve access to financial resources.

While demand for commercial credit grew by 11% year-over-year in the quarter ending March 2025, supply increased at a slower pace, rising by just 3% YoY in the financial year 2024-25. The last quarter of the fiscal year, however, saw an 11% decline in credit supply, possibly due to heightened caution among lenders in response to external economic uncertainties. Nevertheless, credit extended through new cash credit facilities demonstrated resilience, posting a 7% YoY increase. The share of New-to-Credit (NTC) MSME borrowers among total loan originations remained significant at 47%, although lower than the 51% recorded a year earlier.

Public sector banks played a key role in supporting new borrowers, accounting for 60% of NTC loan originations in the quarter ending March 2025. The trade sector contributed the largest proportion of NTC borrowers at 53%, while the manufacturing sector recorded the highest year-over-year growth at 70% in the number of new MSME borrowers securing commercial loans.

Bhavesh Jain, MD and CEO of TransUnion CIBIL, asserted that MSMEs require assistance in accessing formal credit and managing debt effectively. “Fluctuations in the business cycle affect these enterprises disproportionately, as they often lack the financial reserves or support necessary to navigate adverse conditions. Therefore, it is crucial to extend support to this sector and equip them with tools for effective financial management,” he said.

Despite representing only 23% of total loan originations, the manufacturing sector commanded a greater share of the origination value at 34%. However, its share of loan originations by value has steadily declined over the last two years, shifting towards professionals, other services and other industries, which now account for 36% of new loan disbursements –– an increase of five percentage points over the past four years.

Geographically, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi continued to lead in commercial lending, collectively accounting for 48% of overall originations in the quarter ending March 2025. While the manufacturing sector dominated originations in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu and Delhi, Uttar Pradesh saw the highest number of loans granted to the trade sector.

(Write to us at editorial@bombaychamber.com)

India Participates in 9th BRICS Industry Ministers’ Meeting in Brasília

India participated in the 9th BRICS Industry Ministers’ Meeting held under the Chairship of Brazil on 21st May 2025 at the Itamaraty Palace, Brasília – Federal District. The overarching theme of the meeting was “Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance”.

The meeting witnessed the presence of Industry Ministers and representatives from all BRICS member countries including Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, as well as newly inducted members Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. The Joint Declaration adopted at the meeting reaffirmed the collective commitment to fostering an open, fair, and resilient global environment, strengthening the multilateral system, and enhancing economic and social resilience amid rapid global transformations.

As a key initiative, India launched the BRICS Startup Knowledge Hub on 31st January 2025, under the aegis of the BRICS Start-Up Forum. This is the first-of-its-kind dedicated platform for BRICS nations, aimed at enhancing cross-border collaboration and strengthening startup ecosystems across member countries. India extended an invitation to all BRICS nations to contribute to and derive benefits from this platform through the exchange of policy insights, innovations, and best practices.

In line with the Joint Declaration, India also emphasized the critical role of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the national and global economy. India highlighted that with 5.93 crore registered MSMEs employing more than 25 crore individuals, the sector contributed 45.73% of the country’s total exports in 2023–24.

The Ministers underscored the need to deepen industrial cooperation and promote sustainable and inclusive growth across BRICS nations. The Joint Declaration emphasized the pivotal role of innovation and digital technologies under Industry 4.0 as key drivers of sustainable development. India, in its intervention, articulated its vision for a future-ready industry that is inclusive, innovative, and digitally empowered, aligning with the objectives of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

It was noted that India’s Digital India campaign has transformed the country into the world’s largest digitally connected democracy. The number of internet users in India increased significantly from 251.59 million in 2014 to 954.40 million as of March 2024.

India concluded its remarks by calling upon BRICS members to be guided by the principles of Sahyog (Collaboration), Samanjasya (Harmony), Samagrata (Inclusiveness), and Sarvasammati (Consensus) in all cooperative endeavours going forward.

Bombay Chamber was invited for interaction with the Select Committee On Income Tax Bill, 2025 today, 16 May 2025.

A delegation from Bombay Chamber’s Direct Tax Committee consisting of Pinky Mehta, Sudhir Kapadia, Rajeshree Sabnavis, Ravikant Kamath, Rakesh Gupta and Indra Anand attended the meeting and presented the Chamber’s suggestions.

(Left to Right)
Mr. Ravikant Kamath, Chairperson, Direct Tax Committee, Bombay Chamber & Tax Partner, Ernst & Young LLP
Ms. Indra Anand, Co-Chairperson, Direct Tax Committee, Bombay Chamber & Group Tax Head, Tata Sons Pvt. Ltd.
Mr. Rakesh Gupta, Sr. Vice President and Group Head- Taxation, RPG Group
Ms. Pinky Mehta, President, Bombay Chamber & CFO, Aditya Birla Capital Ltd.
Mr. Sudhir Kapadia, Past President, Mentor to Direct & Indirect Tax Committee, Bombay Chamber & Senior Advisor, EY
Ms. Rajeshree Sabnavis, Senior Advisor, Tax, Regulatory & Consulting Ecosystems, Grant Thornton

India-UK FTA to enhance bilateral trade, create new job avenues, and boost economic growth

In a landmark move marking a new chapter in global commerce, India and the United Kingdom have successfully concluded a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), bringing an end to years of negotiations. The deal, hailed as a ‘historic milestone’ by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is expected to significantly enhance bilateral trade, create new job avenues, and boost economic growth.

For India, the agreement presents both opportunities and challenges. While it opens doors for increased exports and foreign investment, it also raises concerns about domestic industries facing heightened competition. The deal is expected to catalyse trade, investment, and innovation, but its long-term impact on India’s economy remains to be seen.

One of the most significant advantages of the FTA is the elimination or reduction of tariffs on a wide range of goods and services. Indian exporters, particularly in labour-intensive sectors such as textiles, footwear, and automobile components, stand to benefit immensely. The UK has agreed to eliminate tariffs on these products, making Indian goods more competitive in the British market.

Additionally, the agreement includes provisions for increased mobility of skilled Indian professionals to the UK, particularly in sectors such as information technology (IT) and healthcare. The Double Contribution Convention, a social security pact, ensures that Indian workers in the UK and their employers are exempt from paying social security contributions for three years, reducing financial burdens and enhancing employment opportunities.

The pharmaceutical and medical device industries are also expected to see a surge in exports, as the UK lowers tariffs on these products. With India being a global leader in generic medicines, this move could significantly boost revenue for Indian pharmaceutical firms.

While the agreement offers numerous benefits, it also presents challenges for certain Indian industries. The reduction of tariffs on British whisky and gin, for instance, has raised concerns among domestic beverage manufacturers. Indian tariffs on these products will be halved from 150% to 75%, and further reduced to 40% over the next decade. This could lead to increased competition for Indian liquor brands, potentially impacting local businesses.

Similarly, the automotive sector faces mixed outcomes. While Indian manufacturers will benefit from reduced tariffs on exports, the influx of British automobiles at lower duties could pose a challenge for domestic carmakers. The UK has negotiated a tariff reduction from 100% to 10% under a quota system, which may lead to increased imports of British vehicles.

Agriculture remains another sensitive area. India has excluded certain agricultural products, such as dairy, apples, and cheese, from duty concessions to protect its farmers. However, concerns persist about the potential impact of increased competition from British agricultural exports.

The FTA is expected to have a positive impact on India’s gross domestic product (GDP) growth, with projections indicating a substantial increase in bilateral trade. The British government estimates that trade between the two nations will rise by £25.5 billion annually from 2040 onwards. This surge in trade is likely to contribute to India’s economic expansion, fostering job creation and investment.

Moreover, the agreement strengthens India’s position as a global trade partner, reinforcing its commitment to economic liberalisation. By opening up key sectors and reducing trade barriers, India is positioning itself as a flexible and attractive destination for foreign investment.

(Write to us at editorial@bombaychamber.com)

Private equity, venture capital market in India surges to $43 billion as buyouts dominate

India’s private equity and venture capital (PE-VC) market rebounded strongly in 2024, reversing two years of contraction with a 9% rise in investments to reach $43 billion across 1,600 deals. As Asia-Pacific’s second-largest PE-VC hub, India continues to attract global capital, signalling renewed investor confidence in its macroeconomic stability and long-term growth potential.

According to Bain & Company’s ‘India Private Equity Report 2025’, published in collaboration with the Indian Venture and Alternate Capital Association (IVCA), while growth-stage investments drove much of the resurgence, private equity remained steady at $29 billion. A major shift towards buyouts was evident, with their share of total PE activity surging to 51% from 37% in 2022. Investors are increasingly securing control positions in high-quality assets, leveraging record dry powder reserves to pursue scalable opportunities.

Real estate and infrastructure emerged as standout performers, collectively accounting for 16% of total PE-VC funding, with deal values soaring by 70% compared to the previous year. Financial services also experienced robust growth of 25%, particularly within non-banking financial companies (NBFCs), driven by affordable housing finance, micro-lending, and MSME financing. Large transactions in companies such as Shriram Housing Finance and Aavas Financiers underscore investor confidence in high-yield, asset-secured businesses.

The healthcare sector maintained strong momentum, with an 80% increase in deal volume. Investments in medical technology, pharmaceutical outsourcing, and single-specialty hospitals – particularly in areas like eyecare, oncology, and IVF – highlighted a strategic push towards underpenetrated categories.

Meanwhile, IT-enabled services saw remarkable expansion, with deal activity tripling. Notable transactions such as Perficient’s $3 billion deal, Altimetrik’s $900 million investment, and GeBBS’s $865 million acquisition reinforced the sector’s growing dominance in digital transformation and revenue cycle management.

India also led the Asia-Pacific region in private equity exits, with exit values reaching a record-breaking $33 billion across 360 deals, marking a 16% year-over-year increase. Public market exits gained prominence, making up 59% of total exit value compared to 51% in 2023, as strong IPO activity fuelled investor optimism. The IPO landscape expanded significantly, with 33 listings in 2024 – up from 23 the previous year – driven largely by consumer-focused sectors.

Domestic fundraising hit new highs, further strengthening India’s private capital ecosystem. Kedaara Capital closed a landmark $1.7 billion fund, while ChrysCapital raised a record $2.1 billion. Global funds also intensified their presence, with Blackstone announcing plans to double its India-based assets under management from $50 billion to $100 billion, reflecting growing international confidence in India’s economic trajectory.

The private equity and venture capital market in India rebounded in 2024 and the outlook for 2025 remains positive. However, sustaining the momentum will require funds to navigate shifting economic and market conditions. Investors with strong operational capabilities, sector-specific expertise, and a focus on sustainable value creation will be best positioned to capitalise on opportunities. As the market tilts towards traditional industries and domestic fundraising reaches new highs, India’s PE-VC landscape looks set for a steady and long-term growth.

(Write to us at editorial@bombaychamber.com)

Bombay Chamber Hosts Conclave on Future of Fund Management: AIFs in GIFT City

The Bombay Chamber of Commerce and Industry hosted its PEVC Conclave on the theme “Future of Fund Management: AIFs in GIFT City.” The event brought together fund managers, policymakers, regulators, and industry experts to explore the growing significance of GIFT City and its role in shaping India’s financial services landscape.

The conclave opened with a welcome address by Sandeep Khosla, Director General of the Bombay Chamber, who outlined the Chamber’s wide-ranging initiatives and reaffirmed its longstanding role as a bridge between industry and government. He emphasised the importance of fostering collaborative dialogue to support India’s evolving financial ecosystem.

Setting the theme of the Conclave, Ashith Kampani, Chair of the PE&VC Committee at the Bombay Chamber and Chairman of CosmicMandala15 Securities highlighted the Chamber’s focus on collaborative development toward a Viksit Bharat, grounded in digitalisation, ESG integration, ease of doing business, and inclusive growth—principles reflected throughout the day’s discussions. Kampani underscored how these pillars are directly relevant to the evolving financial landscape in GIFT City, India’s first operational smart city and International Financial Services Centre (IFSC). He highlighted the momentum GIFT City has gained, with over 80 fund managers operating within its ecosystem and more than $20 billion in fund commitments, as evidence of its growing prominence. He also noted that the progressive regulatory framework, especially following the introduction of the Fund Management Regulations in 2022, offers unparalleled flexibility in fund structuring, cross-border investments, and tax incentives—making GIFT City a highly attractive jurisdiction for global capital and investment innovation.

Swati Khemani, Founder and CEO of Carnelian Asset Management & Advisors, delivered the keynote address. She emphasised that GIFT City represents a transformational shift in India’s financial sector, offering regulatory transparency, tax incentives, and infrastructure that rival global standards. With over $36 billion in assets under management and 124 registered fund units as of March 2024, GIFT City is becoming a preferred destination for asset and wealth managers worldwide.

Khemani also connected GIFT City’s evolution with the government’s broader vision under Amrit Kaal, projecting India’s share in global trade to rise from 12 percent to 16 percent and targeting per capita income of $18,000. She noted the city’s multi-currency capabilities, favorable tax treatment, and appeal for non-resident investors as key differentiators, positioning GIFT as a global center for financial innovation.

The first panel discussion, titled GIFT AIFs: Unlocking Inbound and Outbound Investment Potentials, was moderated by Tejas Desai, Co-Chair of the PE&VC Committee at the Bombay Chamber and Partner at Ernst & Young. The panellists included Pavan Shah, General Manager, International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA); Mitul Mehta, Chief Financial Officer, Blume Ventures; Lakshmi Iyer, CEO – Investment & Strategy, Kotak Alternate Asset Managers; Clarence Anthony, Managing Partner, Clarence & Partners; and Niutpol Handique, Assistant Vice President – International Business Development, Mirae Asset Management Company.

The session addressed the game-changing nature of 100 percent NRI-focused funds, the challenges faced by domestic SEBI AIFs in making offshore investments, and how the FEMA non-resident status of GIFT AIFs offers a compelling solution. The discussion also covered recent amendments to the Fund Management Entity Regulations and the tax advantages of launching asset-specific funds through GIFT City, especially for investing in Indian mutual funds.

The second panel, Dual Listing in GIFT City, moderated by Jyoti Vineet Tandon, Compliance Consultant and Co-Founder of FinCrimeExpert, featured Pradeep Ramakrishnan, Executive Director, International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA); Vijay Krishnamurthy, Managing Director and CEO, India INX; Siddharth Shah, Partner, Khaitan & Co.; and Veenit Surana, Partner, Ernst & Young. The panellists provided insights into IFSCA’s regulatory vision, the readiness of market infrastructure institutions, and the broader ecosystem required to make dual listings a viable and attractive route for Indian and global market participants.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks from Sandeep Khosla who underscored the value of the discussions and the Chamber’s ongoing efforts to support industry-policy collaboration.

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For More Details Contact: Priya Singh at priya.singh@bombaychamber.com OR 022 61200238

Pune to Host India’s First-Ever International Agritech Hackathon

Pune, April 21, 2025 – In a landmark initiative to revolutionize the agriculture sector through innovation and technology, Pune will host the country’s first-ever International Agritech Hackathon. The event was officially launched on 21st April 2025 by Hon’ble Guardian Minister (Pune) and Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra State, Shri Ajit Dada Pawar, at Ganesh Kala Krida Manch, Pune.

The International Agritech Hackathon is a collaborative effort between the District Administration, Pune, and the Bombay Chamber of Commerce & Industry. During the launch, a MoU was signed by Mr. Jitendra Dudi, District Collector, Pune and Chief Organizer of the Hackathon, Mr. Rajan Raje, Chairperson, Agriculture & Food Processing Committee – Bombay Chamber and CEO, Nichem Solutions and Mr. Chetan Dedhia, Expert Committee Member, Agriculture & Food Processing Committee – Bombay Chamber and Managing Partner, J.J.Overseas.

Through this MoU, the Bombay Chamber has extended full support to the district administration to ensure the successful execution of the Hackathon.

The International Agritech Hackathon aims to bring together students, startups, developers, researchers, and innovators from diverse backgrounds, all driven by a shared goal — to transform the future of agriculture through cutting-edge technology.

Registrations are now open, and interested participants can register via the official website: https://www.puneagrihackathon.com/