Bhubaneswar: The India Chem 2026, one of India’s largest events for chemical and petrochemical industries, commenced at the Bombay Exhibition Centre in Mumbai on Thursday.

The event brought together policymakers, industry leaders, investors and global stakeholders under the theme ‘Advantage Bharat: An Emerging Global Chemicals Hub.’

The three-day event, being organised by the Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals of the Union Government, in association with FICCI, will continue until October 24.

The inaugural session was attended by Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare and Chemicals and Fertilizers Jagat Prakash Nadda, Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare and Chemicals and Fertilizers Anupriya Patel, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, his Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh counterparts Devendra Fadnavis and Mohan Yadav, senior government officials and industry leaders.

India Chem 2026 provides a platform to strengthen India’s position in the global chemicals and petrochemicals industry, with a focus on investment, innovation, advanced manufacturing and international collaboration.

The sector is likely to reach USD 1 trillion by 2040

The sector is projected to reach USD 300 billion by 2030 and USD 1 trillion by 2040. The event features Japan as the partner country and Madhya Pradesh as the partner state, with participation from international delegates, exhibitors and business leaders.

Addressing the broader priorities of the sector, J. P. Nadda highlighted the importance of research and development, innovation, domestic manufacturing and industry collaboration in advancing India’s chemicals sector. The inclusion of advanced chemicals and petrochemicals under the national Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Scheme, backed by a Rs 1 lakh crore corpus, is expected to support technology development and strengthen India’s industrial capabilities.

Odisha showcases investment potential

Speaking at the event, CM Majhi outlined the state’s ambition to transition from a mineral-driven economy to a chemical-driven industrial economy, leveraging its mineral resources, ports, existing industrial base and emerging investment opportunities.

The Chief Minister highlighted Odisha’s strategic advantages through Paradip, Gopalpur and Dhamra ports, which offer connectivity to domestic and international markets. He underscored the significance of the Paradip Petroleum, Chemicals and Petrochemicals Investment Region (PCPIR), Indian Oil Corporation Limited’s refinery and petrochemical complex, and the Plastic Park at Paradip in creating downstream opportunities in polymers, packaging and technical textiles.

Majhi also highlighted emerging opportunities in refrigerants, fluorochemicals, green hydrogen and green ammonia at Gopalpur, alongside coal-gasification-based projects at Talcher and Lakhanpur. These developments, he noted, can help strengthen domestic manufacturing and expand Odisha’s role in India’s chemical and petrochemical value chain.

The Chief Minister stated that nearly 200 industrial units had been established in Odisha in less than two-and-a-half years, representing investments of approximately Rs 3.52 lakh crore. The state has received investment proposals exceeding Rs 22.50 lakh crore, of which more than Rs 12.50 lakh crore have been approved by the High-Level Clearance Authority (HLCA).

He also referred to the September 2026 investor outreach in the UAE, where investment proposals worth approximately Rs 2.5 lakh crore were received, including around Rs 2.10 lakh crore from International Holding Company (IHC). Several proposals relate to chemicals, petrochemicals and critical minerals.

Emphasising the state’s investor-friendly approach, Majhi highlighted Odisha’s industrial policy support, infrastructure, skilled workforce and institutional ecosystem, including the support available through the Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT) and the Central Institute of Petrochemicals Engineering and Technology (CIPET).

“Odisha is ready to contribute at scale to realise India’s one-trillion-dollar chemical dream by 2040,” the Chief Minister said, inviting investors to explore opportunities across the state.

“Your success is our success,” added Majhi and called upon industry leaders to “Come, Invest in Odisha and be a part of Samruddh (developed) Odisha.”

India Chem 2026 is expected to facilitate new partnerships, investment opportunities and technology collaborations, reinforcing India’s ambition to emerge as a globally competitive and sustainable chemicals manufacturing hub.