The government Saturday approved modifications to the Mutual Credit Guarantee Scheme for MSMEs (MCGS-MSME) by facilitating greater credit availability for acquiring plant, machinery and equipment by medium and small medium enterprises (MSMEs) with the aim of giving a major boost to the manufacturing and export sectors in the country.

The finance ministry in a statement said special provisions have been incorporated in the scheme for exporters, which includes a guaranteed loan of Rs 20 crore (Rs.200 million) for eligible exporters having profitable units who have earned at least a quarter of their revenues from exports in each of the last three financial years, and satisfied certain export realisation conditions.

The Indian health insurance industry has registered strong growth. In fact, the industry has been able to achieve a growth rate of over 9%, with total premiums exceeding Rs. 1.2 lakh crore (US$ 12.98 billion) in FY 2024–25. This growth is driven by increasing awareness about health cover, access to healthcare finance, and a growing need for financial protection against healthcare expenses. Moreover, growth is also supported by structural changes in healthcare spending. In this context, regulatory interventions by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India have been crucial in creating a robust ecosystem in this industry through various structural reforms.

To improve the policyholder experience and enable faster access to healthcare services, IRDAI has put in place strict timelines for cashless settlement of claims. Approvals for pre-authorization have been made mandatory within one hour, and final authorization within three hours. This is expected to enhance service efficiency and reduce processing time. In terms of claims settlement performance, the sector has shown improvement in the claims paid ratio, which has increased to 87.50% in FY 2024-25. Additionally, out of the over 1.37 lakh grievances, almost 93% have been settled in the same financial year. This reflects the improved grievance handling in the sector. The overall growth in the sector has been driven by factors such as the increasing age of policyholders, higher levels of coverage, and improved product features.

TIndia's packaging industry has tremendous scope to grow, and the sector is likely to touch Rs. 8.50 lakh crore (US$ 92 billion) by the end of FY30, as per a recent report by Avendus Capital. The sector has the potential to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of about 9% during the next five years, outperforming the overall GDP growth rate. The industry is also closely correlated to consumption patterns and has seen the benefit of increasing consumption in the key end-use industries of food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, personal care, agriculture, consumer durables, and e-commerce, among others. The increasing presence of organised retail and quick commerce is also boosting the demand for packaging materials.

India is currently among the fastest-growing packaging markets globally, with significant growth potential due to relatively low per capita packaging consumption compared to developed economies. The sector is undergoing structural transformation, with packaging increasingly playing a role beyond product protection to include branding, customer experience, and supply chain efficiency. Among segments, rigid plastic packaging is expected to be the fastest growing, while flexible packaging continues to dominate market share due to strong demand from the FMCG and food sectors. Sustainability is also emerging as a key growth driver, with increasing adoption of recyclable and eco-friendly materials supported by regulatory measures such as Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) norms. Strong participation from private equity and strategic investors highlights the sector's attractiveness, positioning it for continued expansion and innovation.

The Government of India has expanded the Districts as Export Hubs (DEH) initiative to strengthen district-level export competitiveness and promote balanced regional development. Institutional mechanisms, including State Export Promotion Committees (SEPCs) and District Export Promotion Committees (DEPCs), have been established across all 36 States and Union Territories to streamline export promotion efforts. Draft District Export Action Plans (DEAPs) have been prepared for 590 districts, of which 249 have already been notified, reflecting steady progress in decentralising export planning. The initiative has identified products and services with export potential in every district, spanning sectors including agriculture, manufacturing, handicrafts, and GI-tagged goods. Examples include bananas and brinjal from Jalgaon, ceramics and tiles from Aravalli (Gujarat), and rice, mango, and iron crafts from Chhattisgarh, showcasing India's diverse export basket.

The DEH initiative adopts a district-driven approach to empower MSMEs, farmers, and local manufacturers by connecting them to global markets and enhancing their export capabilities. It focuses on building awareness, addressing bottlenecks, and facilitating market linkages through outreach activities and digital platforms such as Niryat and DGCI&S portals. By identifying district-specific strengths and enabling targeted interventions, the initiative aims to create new exporters, expand market access, and boost manufacturing and services at the local level. This decentralised strategy aligns with India's vision of self-reliance by transforming districts into growth engines of exports, thereby strengthening the country's overall trade ecosystem and global competitiveness.

Bharuch has solidified its position as a cornerstone of India's chemical export industry, contributing nearly 19% to the country's total outbound shipments, according to government data. The Gujarat-based industrial cluster continues to attract significant investments, driven by its robust infrastructure, strategic location, and well-established ecosystem of chemical manufacturers.

Officials highlighted that Bharuch's proximity to key ports on India's western coast has enabled efficient logistics and faster turnaround times for exporters. The region is home to several major chemical and petrochemical units, supported by dedicated industrial estates and strong connectivity via road and rail networks.

The government noted that sustained policy support, including production-linked incentives and ease-of-doing-business measures, has further boosted output and export competitiveness. Bharuch's performance is also underpinned by the presence of large-scale facilities in segments such as specialty chemicals, dyes, intermediates, and petrochemicals.

Industry stakeholders expect Bharuch's share in chemical exports to grow further as global demand strengthens and companies diversify supply chains away from traditional manufacturing hubs. Ongoing infrastructure upgrades and capacity expansions in the region are likely to reinforce its role as a leading export engine for India's chemical sector.

The government reiterated its focus on enhancing port connectivity, streamlining regulatory processes, and promoting sustainable manufacturing practices to support long-term growth in the chemical export segment.

India's engineering exports crossed the $10 billion mark in February 2026, demonstrating resilience amid ongoing global economic uncertainties and trade disruptions. The strong performance was driven by robust demand across key markets, with shipments to China witnessing a sharp surge.

According to provisional trade data, exports of engineering goods maintained their upward momentum despite headwinds such as slowing global growth, geopolitical tensions, and supply chain constraints. The sector, which accounts for a significant share of India's total merchandise exports, continued to benefit from diversified product demand and competitive pricing.

A standout feature of February's export performance was the significant increase in shipments to China, which reportedly doubled compared to the same period last year. This surge reflects improved market access and rising Chinese demand for select engineering products, including industrial machinery, iron and steel items, and components.

Exporters also reported steady demand from regions such as North America, Europe, and the Middle East, although growth in some of these markets remained moderate due to economic pressures and inventory corrections.

Industry experts noted that India's engineering sector has been able to navigate global challenges through market diversification, improved product quality, and supportive government policies, including export promotion schemes and trade facilitation measures.

Looking ahead, exporters remain cautiously optimistic. While demand from China is expected to provide near-term support, uncertainties in global trade conditions and currency fluctuations could pose risks in the coming months.

The continued focus on expanding into new markets, along with strengthening existing trade partnerships, is expected to play a crucial role in sustaining export growth for the engineering sector.

India's coffee and tea exports are witnessing strong growth, driven by rising global demand for premium and specialty varieties. Exporters report increased interest from key international markets as consumers shift toward high-quality, sustainably sourced beverages.

The uptick has been particularly visible in shipments of specialty coffee, including single-origin and estate-grown beans, as well as premium teas such as orthodox, green, and artisanal blends. Buyers across Europe, North America, and parts of Asia are showing a clear preference for traceable, high-grade products, boosting India's export prospects.

Industry stakeholders attribute the momentum to evolving consumer preferences, with a growing focus on quality, flavor profiles, and ethical sourcing practices. Certifications related to sustainability and organic production are also playing a crucial role in enhancing the appeal of Indian offerings in global markets.

Exporters have also benefited from improved branding and marketing efforts, positioning Indian coffee and tea as premium products rather than bulk commodities. Initiatives to promote geographical indications and origin-based branding—such as Darjeeling tea and select Arabica coffee regions—have helped strengthen India's global identity in the segment.

Despite logistical challenges and fluctuating freight rates, the sector has managed to sustain growth, supported by steady demand and favorable pricing for premium categories. Analysts note that value-added exports are increasingly contributing a larger share of total earnings, improving margins for producers and exporters alike.

Looking ahead, the outlook remains positive as global consumption trends continue to favor premium beverages. However, industry players remain watchful of climate-related risks, currency volatility, and shifting trade dynamics that could influence export performance in the months ahead.

With continued focus on quality enhancement, sustainability, and market diversification, India's coffee and tea sectors are well-positioned to capitalize on the growing global appetite for premium products.

GT Lines has introduced additional ad hoc capacity to cater to rising cargo demand on Gulf trade routes, as exporters increasingly turn to West Asian markets amid shifting global trade dynamics.

The move comes in response to a surge in shipments to key destinations such as the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Oman, where demand for Indian goods has remained resilient. Industry sources indicate that capacity constraints and schedule disruptions across major shipping lines have further tightened space availability, prompting carriers to deploy additional vessels.

GT Lines' ad hoc capacity is expected to provide relief to exporters facing delays and booking challenges, particularly for time-sensitive and perishable cargo. The added sailings aim to improve connectivity and reduce transit bottlenecks on key routes linking Indian ports with Gulf hubs.

The development reflects a broader trend of shipping lines adjusting capacity to align with evolving trade patterns, especially as exporters diversify away from traditional markets and focus more on regional opportunities.

Market participants note that while the additional capacity will ease short-term pressure, sustained demand and ongoing geopolitical uncertainties in critical shipping corridors could continue to influence freight rates and service reliability in the near term.

Chennai is poised for a major upgrade in its logistics infrastructure, as the first phase of a large multi-modal logistics park on the city's outskirts approaches completion. Operations at the facility are expected to commence shortly, marking a key milestone in the region's supply chain evolution.

The project is designed to streamline freight movement across southern India by integrating road, rail, and warehousing infrastructure within a single hub. This seamless connectivity will enable efficient cargo transfers across transport modes, reducing transit times and improving overall logistics efficiency.

Urban planners see the development as a critical step in easing congestion within city limits. By shifting heavy freight activity to peripheral zones, the logistics park is expected to reduce pressure on Chennai's urban roads—particularly those linked to port traffic—while improving delivery timelines.

Officials indicate that the initial phase will feature essential infrastructure, including container handling yards, storage facilities, and direct connectivity to major transport corridors. Over time, the project aims to evolve into a fully integrated logistics ecosystem, supporting both domestic distribution and export-oriented industries.

The development is also expected to strengthen Chennai's position as a key trade gateway, especially for manufacturing clusters across Tamil Nadu. By improving cargo movement efficiency, the logistics park could enhance the competitiveness of regional industries in global markets.

The project reflects a broader shift in India's logistics strategy toward multi-modal integration, aimed at improving efficiency and sustainability. Increased reliance on rail for bulk transport and optimised routing is expected to reduce fuel consumption and lower emissions associated with freight movement.

From a real estate perspective, the logistics park is likely to spur demand for industrial and warehousing assets in surrounding areas. It is also expected to catalyse the development of ancillary services such as cold storage, packaging, and last-mile distribution, generating employment across multiple sectors.

However, experts note that the project's long-term success will depend on effective coordination between infrastructure agencies, private operators, and urban authorities.

Ensuring efficient connectivity to highways and rail networks, along with balanced land-use planning, will be crucial. Integrating green logistics practices—such as energy-efficient warehousing and cleaner transport solutions—will also play a key role in sustaining growth.

As India modernises its logistics sector, Chennai's emergence as a multi-modal hub highlights the growing importance of integrated infrastructure in shaping future-ready cities. While the first phase marks a significant step forward, the full impact will unfold as subsequent phases are completed and the ecosystem matures.

In a significant boost to agri-logistics, Gujarat has dispatched its first consignment of chikoo (sapota) to Delhi via the Dedicated Freight Corridor, marking a new milestone in the use of rail infrastructure for perishable cargo.

The shipment, sourced from key chikoo-growing regions in Gujarat, was transported using temperature-controlled containers to ensure freshness and reduce transit losses. Officials said the move is aimed at providing farmers with faster and more reliable access to distant markets while minimizing spoilage.

The use of the Dedicated Freight Corridor significantly cuts transit time compared to conventional rail routes, enabling efficient long-distance movement of fruits and other perishables. It also helps decongest passenger rail lines, improving overall logistics efficiency.

Authorities noted that this initiative could open new avenues for transporting agricultural produce across India, strengthening farm-to-market connectivity and enhancing farmers' income. Similar movements of other fruits and vegetables are expected to follow as the rail network expands its role in cold-chain logistics.

The warehousing market in Jaipur recorded robust growth in 2025, with total transactions reaching 1.31 million sq ft, marking a 24% year-on-year increase from 1.06 million sq ft in 2024, according to a report by Knight Frank India.

This strong performance positions Jaipur as the third-highest transacting Tier-II warehousing market in India, behind Lucknow and Surat.

The report highlights Jaipur's steady emergence as a regional logistics and distribution hub, driven by its strategic location within a 300-km radius of the national capital and robust connectivity via National Highway 48, enabling efficient cargo movement across Rajasthan and neighbouring consumption centres.

Manufacturing firms led demand, accounting for 35% of total leasing activity, followed by third-party logistics (3PL) operators and retail players, each contributing 19%. The shift reflects a broader trend of companies expanding beyond Tier-I cities to strengthen regional distribution networks and meet rising expectations for faster deliveries.

Sectoral dynamics also evolved during the year. While e-commerce's share declined from 27% in 2024 to 15% in 2025, the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) segment gained traction, increasing its share from 4% to 11%. Several large transactions were recorded, with occupiers leasing spaces ranging between 0.1–0.2 million sq ft.

Cluster-wise, the southern peripheral NH-48 corridor continued to dominate the city's warehousing activity, accounting for 89% of total transactions, up from 87% the previous year. Key micro-markets such as Mahindra World City and Bagru emerged as preferred locations due to their proximity to industrial clusters and major transport routes.

The study noted a continued preference for Grade B warehousing, which accounted for 92% of total transactions, driven by cost sensitivity and the availability of such stock from local developers in Tier-II markets.

Rental values across Jaipur remained largely stable, though select pockets along the NH-48 corridor witnessed moderate growth of 5–15% year-on-year, supported by rising demand and limited supply of quality warehousing space.

The Uttar Pradesh State Industrial Development Authority (UPSIDA) has approved eight new projects in the warehousing and logistics sector, involving proposed investments of around ₹800 crore (Rs.8 billion), according to an official spokesperson on Monday.

The approvals have been granted under the Uttar Pradesh Warehousing and Logistics Policy-2022, which offers incentives such as financial assistance, tax exemptions, and support for setting up logistics and storage units on private land. Officials said the move reflects growing investor confidence in the state's logistics ecosystem.

The newly sanctioned projects include five silos, two warehousing units, and one integrated logistics project. These developments will be spread across key districts including Unnao, Auraiya, Balrampur, Shravasti, Sultanpur, Lucknow, Gautam Buddha Nagar, and Hapur.

Officials noted that these projects are expected to significantly strengthen Uttar Pradesh's agricultural and industrial supply chains by enhancing storage infrastructure and logistics efficiency.

So far, UPSIDA has approved 61 projects under the Warehousing and Logistics Policy-2022 and the PIP policy, with total proposed investments exceeding ₹12,900 crore (Rs.129 billion). These projects will be developed across approximately 810 acres.

The state government expects the new infrastructure to boost safe storage capacity for foodgrains, improve logistics support for farmers, accelerate the development of multimodal logistics hubs and warehouse clusters, and generate substantial employment opportunities across the region.

Tuticorin's V.O. Chidambaranar Port has marked a significant milestone in India's renewable energy logistics sector by successfully handling the longest windmill blades ever processed at the port—and among the largest in the country.

The port managed blades measuring an impressive 90.2 metres, surpassing the previous record of 89.6 metres. In addition, it handled India's largest Wind Turbine Generator (WTG) of 5.3 MW capacity, underscoring its growing capability in managing complex and over-dimensional cargo.

The high-profile shipment arrived aboard the vessel MV Da Gui and was destined for M/s Venwind Refex Power Ltd. The operation involved coordinated efforts from multiple logistics stakeholders. Vessel agency services were handled by M/s Aacen Shipping Agencies Pvt. Ltd., while stevedoring operations were carried out by M/s Aasian Shipping Agencies. Sea transportation was managed by COSCO Shipping Specialized Carriers Co. Ltd., with M/s NTC Logistics India Pvt. Ltd. overseeing customs clearance, shore handling, and inland transportation.

Port officials highlighted that the successful handling of such massive cargo demonstrates the port's advanced infrastructure, operational expertise, and readiness to support India's expanding renewable energy sector.

This achievement further strengthens VOC Port's position as a key hub for project cargo and clean energy logistics, aligning with the country's push toward sustainable energy development.

Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA), India's largest container gateway by capacity and the country's second-largest by cargo volumes, has achieved a major milestone by surpassing 8 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in FY26. This marks the highest container throughput recorded by the port since it commenced operations in 1989.

The record performance represents a significant jump from 7.301 million TEUs handled in FY25, reflecting strong growth in container traffic and improved operational efficiencies at the port.

A TEU (twenty-foot equivalent unit) is the standard measurement used in the container shipping industry to describe cargo capacity.

Located at Nhava Sheva near Mumbai, JNPA operates five container terminals managed by leading global and domestic operators. These include:

Bharat Mumbai Container Terminals Pvt Ltd (BMCT), operated by PSA International Gateway Terminals India Pvt Ltd (GTI), a joint venture between APM Terminals and Container Corporation of India

Nhava Sheva International Container Terminal (NSICT) and Nhava Sheva (India) Gateway Terminal (NSIGT), both run by DP World

Nhava Sheva Freeport Terminal Pvt Ltd (NSFTPL), jointly owned by JM Baxi Ports & Logistics and CMA CGM Group

The milestone underscores JNPA's growing role as a key hub in India's maritime trade ecosystem, driven by robust EXIM demand, capacity expansion, and enhanced terminal productivity. The achievement further strengthens the port's position as a critical gateway supporting India's global trade ambitions.

PSA Mumbai, at JN Port, has announced the commencement of the JJS service by Global Feeder Shipping, with the inaugural call of the vessel MV SSF Dynamic on March 24, 2026.

With a robust port rotation, Mundra – Nhava Sheva – Jeddah – King Abdullah – Sokhna – Aqaba – King Abdullah – Jeddah – Mundra, connecting India and key Middle East ports, this service enhances PSA Mumbai's global network and is expected to offer greater stability and support to Indian cargo owners during the current Middle East crisis, as per a communique.

Paradip Port Authority has achieved a significant operational milestone by unloading 50 thermal coal rakes in a single day, setting a new benchmark in cargo handling efficiency.

The record performance highlights the port's enhanced capacity and improved coordination across rail, terminal, and cargo handling operations. Officials said the achievement was made possible through streamlined logistics, faster turnaround times, and optimal utilization of mechanised handling systems.

Paradip Port, one of India's key gateways for bulk cargo, plays a crucial role in supplying thermal coal to power plants across the country. The ability to handle such high volumes in a single day is expected to strengthen the reliability of coal supply chains, particularly amid rising energy demand.

Port authorities noted that close coordination with Indian Railways was instrumental in ensuring the seamless movement and unloading of rakes. Efficient rail connectivity has been a key factor in enabling higher throughput and minimizing congestion at the port.

Industry stakeholders view the milestone as a positive indicator of the port's growing operational capabilities and its readiness to handle increased cargo volumes in the future. The achievement also aligns with broader efforts to improve logistics efficiency and reduce turnaround time across India's port sector.

With continued investments in infrastructure and technology, Paradip Port aims to further enhance its cargo handling capacity and maintain its position as a leading hub for bulk commodities in the region.