India’s supply chains are at a turning point, where corridors, multimodal parks, and ESG readiness are redefining resilience and positioning the nation as a trusted hub in global trade.
Sustainability should be a competitive advantage, not just compliance cost — Ankur Dekivadiya
India’s logistics story is shifting gears, from manufacturing hub to trusted global orchestrator, powered by trade corridors, infrastructure, technology, and sustainability.
Corridors as catalysts
Ankur Dekivadiya, Deputy General Manager, Supply Chain, Farmson Basic Drugs, believes India’s role is no longer limited to being a connector. “We will not just be a transit country, but a strategic orchestrator of cargo flows between Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East,” he observed. By 2030, he envisions Indian ports handling 15–20% more transcontinental cargo, supported by alternate routes like the IMEC and INSTC that reduce reliance on chokepoints such as the Suez Canal.
Anil K Mishra, National Logistics Head, pladis Global, echoes the significance of these initiatives. “IMEC alone could slash logistics costs by 40% and position India as a global trade hub,” he noted, adding that bilateral trade agreements, such as the US-India BTA, could accelerate export growth in key sectors like pharmaceuticals and garments.
From Make in India to Ship from India
Both leaders stress that infrastructure and policy reforms are critical in achieving this transition. “Projects like Sagarmala and PM Gati Shakti are moving us closer, but we must continue investing in ports, rail, and road connectivity while reducing bureaucratic hurdles,” Mishra emphasized.
Dekivadiya highlights the importance of supply chain sovereignty without resorting to protectionism. “We need to control key links such as APIs, semiconductors, and EV batteries locally while keeping trade open for non-critical goods,” he explained, underscoring incentives over barriers as the pathway to competitiveness.
Sustainability as strategy
ESG compliance is no longer optional. For Dekivadiya, “Sustainability should not be seen as a compliance cost but as a competitive advantage to win green-conscious customers.” He calls for carbon accounting, renewable-powered warehouses, EV fleets, and alignment with global frameworks like EU CBAM and IMO 2023.
Mishra supports this direction, noting that technology and sustainable practices are central to building trust in global value chains. “To position India as a reliable alternative, we must diversify trade routes, adopt digital solutions, and enhance regional cooperation,” he remarked.
Power of MLPs
Both experts see multimodal logistics parks (MMLPs) as game-changers. Dekivadiya pointed out, “Integration of road, rail, air, and waterways will cut dwell time by 20–30% and reduce logistics costs from 13–14% of GDP to 8–9%.”
Mishra added, “These investments will reduce transit times, increase cost efficiency, and enhance resilience by diversifying transport options.” Beyond operational gains, both believe MMLPs will catalyze industrial clusters, boosting India’s export-oriented ecosystems.
As Dekivadiya underlines, building supply chain independence without protectionism will be key, while Mishra emphasizes that skilled talent and streamlined regulations will accelerate India’s shift from Make in India to Ship from India.
