The 14th edition of India Chem 2026, a flagship biennial chemicals and petrochemicals conclave, is set to commence on 22 October 2026 at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, NESCO, Mumbai, running for three days. The event is being organised by the Centre's Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals in partnership with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), according to an official statement.

Scale and Participation

India Chem 2026 is expected to draw participation from more than 100 countries, including Japan, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, nations across the European Union, Latin America, Vietnam, South Korea, and ASEAN member states. Japan has been designated as the partner country for this edition, a move seen as significant for strengthening India-Japan economic ties.

The event will host more than 200 Indian and international exhibitors, over 8,000 business visitors from India and abroad, and a Global CEOs Forum featuring more than 50 leading chief executives. Buyers' delegations are expected from South America, the United States, the European Union, Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries, West Europe, the Middle East, and South and Southeast Asia.

Theme and Focus Areas

The theme of the 14th edition is 'Advantage Bharat: An Emerging Global Chemicals Hub'. The conference and exhibition are positioned to showcase India's industrial capabilities, technological advancements, and potential as a global manufacturing and sourcing destination. Policymakers, global industry leaders, investors, technology providers, and researchers are all expected to convene to explore trade, investment, and collaboration opportunities in the sector.

High-Level Inauguration

Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilisers JP Nadda is scheduled to inaugurate the event. The Chief Ministers of Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Odisha, along with senior officers from both central and state governments, are also expected to attend, reflecting the political and policy weight accorded to the sector.

India's Chemical Sector Ambitions

India is currently the sixth-largest producer of chemicals globally and the fourth-largest in Asia. The Indian chemical industry is projected to reach $300 billion by 2030 and an ambitious $1 trillion by 2040, according to official projections. Growth drivers include rising domestic demand, export opportunities, a demographic dividend, relatively low per capita consumption levels, and an enabling policy environment. This comes amid India's broader push to deepen global value-chain participation, backed by governance reforms, infrastructure investment, and the availability of skilled labour at competitive costs.

India Chem has historically served as a barometer for the sector's investment climate; the scale of the 2026 edition — particularly Japan's role as partner country and the multi-continent buyer delegations — signals growing international confidence in India's chemicals manufacturing story.