air cargo India and transport logistic India Open in Mumbai to Boost Supply Chains

The 11th edition of air cargo India has opened in Mumbai alongside the inaugural transport logistic India, creating a unified business-to-business (B2B) platform for the air freight and multimodal logistics sectors. The co-located events, held at the Jio World Convention Centre, underscore a strategic shift in the country's approach to supply chain management, emphasizing the integration of air, sea, and surface transport.

Organized by Messe Muenchen India, the combined trade fairs are designed to connect key stakeholders across the entire logistics value chain. This includes airlines, airport operators, freight forwarders, shipping lines, and technology providers with buyers and policymakers. The integration reflects the growing interdependence of different transport modes for critical industries such as pharmaceuticals, automotive parts, electronics, and perishables, aligning with India's national goal of reducing logistics costs and improving global trade competitiveness.

Event Scope and Industry Focus

The combined platform features a significant international presence, with over 230 brands from more than 38 countries participating. The conference program running in parallel involves 123 industry leaders addressing key challenges and opportunities. The air cargo India conference is themed 'Global Air Cargo - Booming but Bumpy', while transport logistic India is focused on 'Powering Vision 2030 with Logistics Performance Excellence'.

Several specialized areas highlight current industry trends. A German Pavilion showcases logistics and technology firms, emphasizing Germany's engineering and supply chain expertise. The All India Transporters' Welfare Association (AITWA) is hosting a pavilion that brings the road transport community to the forefront, reinforcing its critical role in domestic and cross-border trade. Additionally, a Future Tech Pavilion, powered by SmartKargo, concentrates on digital cargo management, automation, and real-time visibility solutions. Organizers have also placed a specific focus on bulk liquid logistics, a vital segment for the chemical and energy industries.

Key Initiatives and Government Perspective

The event serves as a crucial forum for public-private dialogue aimed at streamlining trade. Shri Pradyumn Kumar Tripathi, Commissioner General for Mumbai Customs Zone-I, stressed the government's commitment to improving efficiency. "India's trade growth depends on how efficiently we move goods across borders," he stated. "Our focus is clear -- faster clearances, smarter systems and close coordination with industry. Platforms like air cargo India and transport logistic India help us listen, align and improve together."

Underscoring the importance of surface transport infrastructure, AITWA announced a significant investment during the event. Ashok Goyal, National President of AITWA, confirmed the association has committed to creating dedicated facilities for drivers in five zones. "An investment of approx Rs 75 crores is expected to be spent on this in the next 3 years," Goyal said, noting the facilities will provide medical support, safety training, and other benefits. He added, "When transporters, freight forwarders, airlines and policymakers sit together, we move closer to reducing transit time, improving reliability and lowering overall logistics costs for Indian industry."

International Collaboration and Strategic Intent

The strong German presence points to deepening international partnerships. Christoph Rendtorff, Deputy Consul General for the Federal Republic of Germany, noted the strong ties between the two nations. "Integrated logistics solutions, automation and sustainable transport systems are areas where Indo-German collaboration can deliver tangible results," he said. "Events like air cargo India and transport logistic India enable companies from both countries to build practical, long-term partnerships."

Bhupinder Singh, President for the India, Middle East, and Africa (IMEA) region at Messe Munchen, emphasized the commercial purpose of the platform. "This is a focused B2B marketplace," he explained. "Participants arrive with clear objectives -- expanding route networks, securing infrastructure partnerships, onboarding technology solutions, or strengthening regional trade corridors. The real value lies in the quality of engagement and the ability to turn meaningful handshakes into tangible business outcomes." The trade fairs are scheduled to continue in Mumbai until February 26, 2026.

Why This Matters

This convergence of air cargo and multimodal logistics events in Mumbai signals a maturing Indian market actively seeking integrated and technologically advanced supply chain solutions. The platform provides a critical nexus for commercial deal-making and policy alignment, directly supporting India's ambition to become a more competitive global trade hub by lowering internal logistics costs and improving cross-border efficiency.

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