India stands at a pivotal juncture in its logistics evolution, with the country's expanding manufacturing base, digital economy, and modern infrastructure positioning it as a credible candidate for a preferred global air cargo hub, according to experts who convened at the ACFI World Conclave in New Delhi on 13 August 2025. The event, organised by the Air Cargo Forum India (ACFI), brought together policymakers, aviation leaders, logistics executives, and trade officials to chart a course toward India's 10 MMT (million metric tonnes) air cargo ambition.

Key Developments at the Conclave

Sanjiv Edward, President of Air Cargo Forum India (ACFI) and Chief Executive Officer – Cargo & Logistics at GMR Group, underscored that realising the 10 MMT vision would demand 'collective leadership, innovation and sustained collaboration across government and industry.' He noted that the world is entering a new era of trade where speed and efficiency must now be matched by resilience, adaptability, and cross-sector cooperation — a shift that presents India with a 'huge opportunity.'

The conclave featured an exhibition and a ministerial roundtable, both centred on the four pillars of infrastructure, policy, connectivity, and industry collaboration. Organisers described the event's purpose as converting 'meaningful dialogue into practical solutions' that can strengthen supply chains, unlock trade opportunities, and reinforce India's standing in global commerce.

MoU Signed for Uttar Pradesh Perishable Logistics

A notable outcome of the conclave was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Government of Uttar Pradesh and Logistics Shakti Enterprise (LSE). The agreement targets strategic collaboration to strengthen Uttar Pradesh's perishable logistics, air cargo, and export ecosystem — a segment that has historically been under-served despite the state's agricultural output.

This comes amid broader efforts by several Indian states to develop dedicated air cargo zones and cold-chain corridors linked to international airports, reflecting a shift in logistics policy from port-centric to multi-modal and air-first strategies for high-value goods.

What Industry Leaders Said

Ramesh Mamidala, Vice President of ACFI and Head Cargo at Air India Limited, said India is at 'a defining moment in its logistics journey,' pointing to investments in infrastructure, digital transformation, multimodal connectivity, and policy reforms as the foundation for the country's global ambitions. He cautioned that as trade patterns shift and supply chains grow more complex, 'resilience, connectivity and collaboration will be critical to sustaining growth and responding to emerging opportunities.'

Karanjit Singh Wadhwa, Chairman of the ACFI Event Task Pillar and Director at Grace Group, observed that global trade is being reshaped by shifting manufacturing bases and evolving supply chains. He argued that India must use this transition to strengthen bilateral trade corridors and position its logistics infrastructure as an active enabler of global business, rather than a passive conduit.

The Road to 10 MMT and What It Will Take

India currently handles a fraction of global air cargo volumes relative to its economic size. Reaching the 10 MMT target would require sustained investment in airport cargo terminals, cold-chain facilities, customs digitalisation, and competitive freight rates. Experts at the conclave stressed that government-industry collaboration is not optional but structural — without aligned policy and private capital, the target remains aspirational.

A dedicated session also examined the role of stronger bilateral relationships and trade corridors in facilitating investment, improving connectivity, and enabling Indian businesses to access international markets more efficiently. With global supply chains continuing to diversify away from single-country dependence, India's window to capture a larger share of air freight flows is considered time-sensitive by industry observers.