India is poised to redefine global trade through strategic corridors, digital infrastructure, and policy reforms. Industry leaders highlight opportunities, hurdles, and the urgent shift from “Make in India” to “Ship from India.”
India is 70–75% ready, but execution and integration remain key challenges
India’s logistics sector is navigating a pivotal moment, anchored by emerging trade corridors and transformative agreements. Bharat Bhushan Rathi, Head of Supply Chain (Planning, Distribution, and Logistics) at Mankind Pharma, notes, “For India’s logistics sector, India-EFTA TEPA offers the most transformative long-term potential due to its investment scale and EU integration. The India-US BTA demands immediate infrastructure upgrades, while the India-UK FTA can deliver quick wins in efficiency and trade volume.” Complementing this, Rashul Jain, Global Practice Head, Logistics, Rail & Maritime at Tech Mahindra, emphasises, “Corridors like IMEC and INSTC will reposition India from a peripheral player to a central hub for Eurasian trade, enhancing efficiency, reducing costs, and strengthening geopolitical influence.”
The next five years will be crucial in shaping India’s logistics narrative
From policy to practice
The transition from “Make in India” to “Ship from India” is gathering pace, yet execution remains critical. Rathi highlights that India is “70–75 percent ready in terms of policy and infrastructure” but calls for accelerated port and hinterland connectivity, digital and green logistics, financing access for MSMEs, and development of a skilled workforce. Jain adds that public and private collaboration is essential: “Adaptation involves diversifying supply chains, adopting technology, and leveraging government initiatives to balance efficiency with resilience.”
Digital edge
Digital public infrastructure is emerging as a cornerstone of India’s logistics transformation. Rathi observes, “Initiatives like ULIP and the National Logistics Portal are proving to be game-changers. Integrating over 43 systems from 11 ministries and processing 100+ crore API transactions, they enable real-time cargo tracking, automated documentation, and predictive ETAs across road, rail, air, and sea.” Jain agrees, noting that technology adoption, combined with strategic investments, is essential to leapfrog India into a competitive global position.
Breaking barriers
Despite progress, structural gaps remain. Rathi stresses that India must modernise infrastructure, overcome regulatory bottlenecks, expand the manufacturing ecosystem, and integrate MSMEs to fully position itself as a reliable alternative in global value chains. Jain underscores the need for India to establish a stronger presence among global shipping lines, LSPs, and 3PLs, asserting, “Indian companies need to show participation in the global logistics arena to truly become a hub.”
Vision to reality
The combined insights from Rathi and Jain highlight a broader vision: India is not just aiming to move goods faster or cheaper; it seeks to build confidence, resilience, and credibility on the world stage. Strategic corridors, policy reforms, digital platforms, and private–public collaboration form the blueprint for India’s logistics evolution, a journey that will increasingly define its role in global trade.
Future forward
With trade agreements, corridor participation, and digital transformation at the forefront, India’s logistics sector is poised for a decisive leap. As Rathi concludes, “Execution and integration remain key challenges,” while Jain adds, “The next five years will be crucial in shaping India’s global logistics narrative.” Together, these perspectives underscore that India’s rise in global trade is as much about strategy and infrastructure as it is about building trust and resilience.
