Baker Tilly ASA India today marked 35 years of operations in India with the launch of its flagship publication, Doing Business in India – A Comprehensive Guide for Foreign Investors 2026. The 2026 edition comes at a pivotal moment as India consolidates its position as one of the world’s most dynamic long-term capital destinations.
 

(L-R): Ajay Sethi, MP, Baker Tilly ASA India, Francesca Lagerberg, CEO, Baker Tilly International & Andrew Heng, Group MP, Baker Tilly Malaysia & Chair of Baker Tilly APAC
 

Backed by sustained economic expansion, demographic strength and steady policy reform, India continues to reinforce its position as one of the world’s most compelling long-term capital destinations. Economic indicators have shown steady growth with cumulative foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows from April 2000 crossing USD 1 trillion. Real GDP growth is expected to be 7.6% for FY26 with manufacturing and services expected to be a key driver of growth. With a large young aspirational population and a multitude of trade Agreements, India offers a unique opportunity as both a growing market and manufacturing and export base for multinational companies.
 

It is against this backdrop that Doing Business in India 2026 has been developed. With an aim to convert MoUs signed into results on the ground, this guide is designed as a practical, strategic guide for foreign corporations, private equity investors and multinational enterprises assessing India entry, expansion, joint ventures, acquisitions or long-term operational structuring. It brings clarity to India’s regulatory architecture, tax environment, corporate governance requirements and compliance frameworks — areas where early planning and structural discipline often determine long-term success.
 

The event convened Baker Tilly’s global and APAC leadership under the theme Building Bridges: Baker Tilly’s Vision for Asia-Pacific Growth and Global Collaboration. Also spotlighted Baker Tilly ASA’s journey in advising multinational investors on India entry and expansion, its strong positioning in the mid-market segment, and its alignment with Baker Tilly International as well as the Asia-Pacific growth strategy.
 

Speaking on the milestone, Francesca Lagerberg, CEO, Baker Tilly International, said, “India represents one of the most significant long-term growth markets for global investors, and our network is uniquely positioned to support that ambition. As we mark 35 years of Baker Tilly ASA in India, we see this milestone not only as a celebration of legacy, but as a platform for deeper global integration, stronger APAC collaboration and a sharper focus on high-growth mid-market enterprises seeking cross-border clarity and confidence. The advisory profession is evolving rapidly driven by regulation, technology and rising investor expectations. Our approach globally is to combine local expertise with seamless international coordination. India is central to that strategy, both as an investment destination and as a talent and capability hub for the network.”
 

During the briefing, the leadership outlined the Baker Tilly ASA India’s 35-year journey and role in advising multinational corporations across Japan, the US, UK, Europe, Australia and other markets on India market entry, joint ventures, M&A, factory set-ups, tax structuring, regulatory compliance and risk advisory. Over the years, Baker Tilly ASA has built a strong presence in the mid-market segment, delivering partner-led, integrated advisory services across complex cross-border transactions and India entry strategies.
 

Ajay Sethi, Managing Partner, Baker Tilly ASA India said, “Thirty-five years in India has taught us that opportunity here rewards preparation and perspective. The market offers scale and momentum, but it also demands structural clarity, tax discipline and regulatory foresight from day one. Our experience across cycles has reinforced a simple belief that sustainable growth in India is built on sound governance and informed decision-making. As global capital deepens its engagement with India, our commitment remains to provide steady, strategic counsel that converts ambition into durable outcomes.”
 

The event highlighted Baker Tilly’s continued global expansion and growing focus on the Asia-Pacific region, in step with increasing cross-border investment into India. As India advances its manufacturing ambitions, strengthens its foreign investment regime and expands its role in global supply chains, the differentiator for investors will be clarity of structure and quality of execution. With the launch of its Doing Business in India Guide, Baker Tilly ASA India reinforces its commitment to supporting investors across every stage of their India journey, backed by 35 years of practical, on-ground experience.

On the eve of International Women’s Day, M3M Foundation reiterated its commitment to the social and economic empowerment of women across the country, stating that the true strength of India’s development lies in its women. Empowering women through education, skill development, entrepreneurship, and livelihood opportunities forms the foundation of sustainable social transformation.

Dr. Payal Kanodia exchanges the MoU with Rekha, Founder of Mahila Swarojgar Samiti in the presence of MLC Hansraj Vishwakarma, Smt. Poonam Maurya, and Prashant Ji (VHP) in Varanasi

Dr. Payal Kanodia, Chairperson and Trustee of M3M Foundation, was speaking during the launch of the “Weaving Change – Weaving of Heritage” campaign in Kashi (Varanasi), the parliamentary constituency of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. Although the campaign has been launched from Varanasi, its objective is to connect 40,000 women across the country with skills, entrepreneurship, and sustainable rural livelihoods through traditional Indian arts and crafts. Through this initiative, the traditional skills of rural women will be linked with modern markets, design innovation, and digital platforms to realize the vision of “Rural to Global.”

The inauguration programme was organized in Bairwan Panchayat of Arajiline Block in Varanasi district in collaboration with Mahila Swarojgar Samiti, where more than 500 women from nearby villages participated. According to Dr. Kanodia, when women are provided with opportunities, skills, and resources, they not only empower their families but also strengthen the entire society. She further stated that through various programmes of the Foundation, efforts are being made across several states to make women self-reliant by connecting them with skill training, entrepreneurship, and livelihood opportunities.

Through M3M Foundation’s ‘Kaushal Sambal’ programme and other community initiatives, thousands of women are being provided with skill development training, entrepreneurship guidance, and livelihood opportunities, enabling them to play a significant role in strengthening their families economically.

On this occasion, several dignitaries and social representatives were present, including Dr. Aishwarya Mahajan, Managing Trustee of M3M Foundation; Praveen Singh Gautam (BJP District General Secretary); Arvind Singh (BJP Vice President); Prashant Ji (Vishwa Hindu Parishad); Vaishali Tai Joshi and Anant Prabha Ji (Vishwa Mangalya Sabha).

In the presence of MLC Shri Hansraj Vishwakarma from Varanasi Rural and District Panchayat President of Varanasi, Smt. Poonam Maurya, an MoU for the project was exchanged between Dr. Payal Kanodia and Rekha Chauhan, Founder of Mahila Swarojgar Samiti.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Payal Kanodia emphasized that rural women play an extremely significant role in preserving India’s traditional arts and crafts. She stated that “Weaving  Change – Weaving of Heritage” is not just a project but a movement aimed at connecting the skills of rural women with entrepreneurship while taking India’s heritage from “Rural to Global” on the world stage.

She also highlighted that M3M Foundation’s work in Varanasi is not limited to livelihoods and women’s empowerment, but also extends to the preservation of religious and cultural heritage. As part of the development of Eknath Bhavan located at the historic Durga Ghat in Kashi, the Foundation has reconstructed the sanctum (garbhagriha) and assembly hall of the Vitthal Temple, developed an Annakshetra, and built a dharamshala for pilgrims and spiritual seekers. In addition, a community hall for social and cultural activities has also been developed.

This initiative is a significant step toward realizing the vision of “Vocal for Local” and “Virasat se Vikas” championed by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. Through this campaign, efforts will be made not only to provide a new identity to the skills of rural women but also to bring India’s rich artistic traditions to the global platform.

Rekha Chauhan, Founder of Mahila Swarojgar Samiti, said that this partnership will provide thousands of women from Varanasi and surrounding rural areas an opportunity to transform their traditional skills into enterprises, enabling them to become self-reliant.

On the occasion of International Women’s Day, M3M Foundation reaffirmed its commitment to further strengthen women’s participation in the nation’s development by promoting their skills, leadership, and entrepreneurship.

“Skill in every hand, dignity in every home — this is the true direction of women’s empowerment.”

About M3M Foundation
M3M Foundation is a leading social development organization working extensively in the areas of education, skill development, healthcare, environmental conservation, sports, and community development. Through its various programmes-Kaushal Sambal, iMpower, Sankalp, Sarvoday, Lakshya, and VanJeevan-the foundation is empowering the lives of lakhs of people across several states in India. The foundation aims to build self-reliant communities, connect women and youth with skills and entrepreneurship, and contribute to India’s social and economic progress through the vision of “Heritage to Development” and “Rural to Global.”

Celebrating the spirit of International Women’s Day 2026, Ladies Who Lead (LWL), India’s premier leadership and networking platform for women professionals, is hosting a series of high-impact, exclusive leadership conversations across Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru under the theme “Give to Gain.” The initiative is bringing together an influential cross-section of leaders from business, entrepreneurship, and public life in curated high-trust conversations, reiterating the importance of knowledge-sharing, mentorship, and collective progress in shaping the future of women’s leadership in India.

L to R – D.Y. Chandrachud (former Chief Justice of India), Aabha Bakaya (Founder of Ladies Who Lead)

These member-exclusive conversations features a distinguished line-up of leaders shaping India’s economic and institutional landscape, including D. Y. Chandrachud, former Chief Justice of India; Shefali Goradia, Chairperson of Deloitte South Asia; Ipsita Dasgupta, Senior Vice President and Managing Director at HP India; Vibha Padalkar, Managing Director and CEO of HDFC Life; Manisha Girotra, CEO of Moelis India; and Radhika Gupta, Managing Director and CEO of Edelweiss Mutual Fund. Through candid discussions and personal reflections, the leaders highlight insights on navigating complex leadership journeys, building resilient organisations, and the importance of women supporting and mentoring one another.

Anchored around the theme “Give to Gain,” the series emphasises the power of women leaders paying their knowledge and experiences forward. The conversations explore how mentorship, access to networks, and community-led learning can unlock opportunities for the next generation of women leaders and entrepreneurs.

“‘Give to Gain’ reflects the spirit of what our community stands for. When women leaders openly share their journeys, insights, and networks, they create pathways for many more women to step into leadership with confidence. At Ladies Who Lead, our goal is to build spaces where these conversations happen with honesty, generosity, and purpose. The collective power of women lifting each other up is what truly moves the needle,” said Aabha Bakaya, Founder of Ladies Who Lead.

Founded by Aabha Bakaya in 2021, Ladies Who Lead, today, is one of India’s most influential platforms for women professionals and entrepreneurs, creating high-trust rooms for dialogue between women leaders and corporate changemakers. Through curated leadership dialogues, mentorship sessions, and community-driven learning experiences, LWL continues to strengthen a growing ecosystem where women can connect, collaborate, and accelerate their professional journeys.

As the community continues to expand its footprint, including its recent international chapter launch in Dubai, Ladies Who Lead is building an exclusive global network of women leaders committed to sharing knowledge, opening doors, and enabling each other to succeed. By bringing together leaders across sectors and industries, the platform continues to play a meaningful role in advancing conversations around women’s leadership and building a stronger, more connected professional community.

About Ladies Who Lead
Ladies Who Lead (LWL) is a premium, members-only leadership and networking platform committed to empowering women professionals across India. Founded in 2021 by veteran business journalist Aabha Bakaya and business leader Aditya Ghosh, LWL brings together a diverse community of over 1,500 women leaders across 50+ industries. With curated events, high-intent networking, mentorship, and a robust digital platform, LWL enables women to connect, collaborate, and grow. The platform’s vision is to see more women in leadership roles and to create an ecosystem where women can lead boldly, drive impact, and inspire change.

For more information, please visit www.ladieswholead.in.

The Rotary Club of Chennai Legends, in association with Rotary International District 3234, organised Rotosew, an initiative to donate 225 motorised sewing machines to women from economically disadvantaged backgrounds in the city, in commemoration of International Women’s Day, to support them in starting their own tailoring ventures.

Rotary Club of Chennai Legends and Rotary District 3234 Donate 225 Sewing Machines to Women

Prior to the distribution of the sewing machines, the Rotary Club of Chennai Legends conducted a two-month vocational training programme for the beneficiaries in stitching kids’, men’s and women’s garments at its Rotary Skill Development Centre located at Dr. MGR Janaki College of Arts and Science for Women.

AKS Rtn. Er. Muruganandam M, RI Director (2025–27) and RI Vice President (2026–27), attended the event as the Chief Guest, while AKS Rtn. Vinod Saraogi, District Governor (2025–26), was the Guest of Honour. The event was also graced by Rtn. Ravi Sundaresan, District Governor Nominee (2028–29); PDG Rtn. Sridhar J, RRFC (2026–27); Rtn. NS Saravanan, Immediate Past District Governor; Rtn. Dr. Kumar Rajendran, Project Chair, Rotary Club of Chennai Legends; and Rtn. Dr. M. Durga Mohan, Chair – CSR, Rotary Club of Chennai Legends.

The Rotary Club of Chennai Legends had donated 200 sewing machines under the Rotosew initiative last year and plans to make the programme an annual feature. The club is also seeking Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) support from corporate houses to expand the reach and impact of the initiative.

In her comments, Rtn Dr. Durga Mohan said, “Rotosew is not just about donating sewing machines; it is about enabling women to build sustainable livelihoods with dignity. Through our two-month vocational training programme, the beneficiaries are trained in stitching kids’, men’s and women’s garments, equipping them with practical skills that are immediately marketable. With the growing demand for tailoring and customised apparel, this skill offers strong opportunities for self-employment and income generation. Beyond training and equipment, we are also working to create market linkages by connecting these women with corporate customers and bulk orders, helping them establish steady income streams.”

Recently, the Rotary Club of Chennai Legends in association with Rotary Dist 3234 had organised Gift of Mobility, an initiative under which 225 bicycles along with helmets were distributed to school-going girls to support continuity in education and ensure their safety while commuting. As part of the initiative, the club also conducted a hands-on road safety programme to equip the students with the knowledge and confidence to ride safely.

For more details: cl@ri3234.org

The sixth edition of ‘Lineman Diwas’ was celebrated in New Delhi today by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), Ministry of Power, in collaboration with Tata Power Delhi Distribution Ltd. The observance of Lineman Diwas is aimed at acknowledging the tireless dedication and invaluable services of linemen and ground maintenance staff, whose contributions are critical to ensuring the reliable delivery of electricity services across the country.

 At the 6th Lineman Diwas in New Delhi, MoS Power Shripad Yesso Naik and Power Secretary Pankaj Agarwal joined sector leaders to launch a Safety Pocketbook

The event was graced by Shri Shripad Yesso Naik, Minister of State for Power and New & Renewable Energy of India. Shri Pankaj Agarwal, Secretary(Power) delivered the keynote address. Shri Ghanshyam Prasad, Chairperson, and Members of CEA, Mr. Dwijadas Basak, CEO, Tata Power-DDL along with senior leaders and distinguished stakeholders from across the power sector.
 

MoS for Power and New & Renewable Energy,  Shripad Yesso Naik, addressing linemen

Around 250 linemen and supervisors from over 66 State and private power distribution and generation companies, along with transmission licensees across India, participated in the event. The gathering provided a platform to share experiences, discuss operational challenges in maintaining uninterrupted power supply, and exchange insights on safety practices while promoting collaborative learning among participants.
 

The programme commenced with the administration of a safety pledge and participants affirmed their commitment to follow safety practices and remain vigilant in order to protect themselves, their families, and society at large.
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Addressing the gathering, Shri Shripad Yesso Naik said that Lineman Diwas, observed during National Safety Week, acknowledges the dedication of frontline power sector workers who ensure uninterrupted electricity supply across the country. He emphasised the need to strengthen safety culture at the workplace through consistent use of personal protective equipment, proper shutdown confirmation before undertaking maintenance work, and regular capacity-building and training.

He further highlighted that the adoption of modern technologies such as smart grids, real-time monitoring systems, AI-enabled predictive maintenance, and drone-based inspections can help identify potential faults in advance and minimise risk to field personnel. Referring to the theme of the sixth edition of Lineman Diwas – ‘Seva, Suraksha, Swabhiman’ – he said it reflects the spirit of service, safety, and dignity of the power sector’s frontline workforce.

Referring to linemen as the warriors of the power sector, Sh. Pankaj Agarwal, Secretary(Power) observed that during harsh weather or natural disasters, when people remain indoors, linemen step out to restore electricity and ensure continuity of power supply. He noted that despite increasing automation in the sector, it is the linemen on the ground who ultimately restore systems and keep the network running. He emphasised that all field personnel should be equipped with standardised safety kits and tools.

He also urged power utilities to institutionalise safety awareness by making it mandatory to show a short safety video and conduct safety drills as part of the daily routine before the start of each shift.

Speaking at the event, Sh. Ghanshyam Prasad, Chairperson, CEA, highlighted that a resilient and dependable power sector is a key pillar of a developed nation and acknowledged the tireless efforts of linemen who work in challenging conditions to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply.

He noted that Lineman Diwas has evolved into a nationwide movement with growing participation from utilities across the country, reflecting increasing recognition of the vital role linemen play in nation-building. He emphasised that recognition must be accompanied by stronger protection and empowerment for these frontline workers.

Speaking about the significance of the initiative, Mr. Dwijadas Basak, CEO, Tata Power Delhi Distribution Limited, said, “‘Lineman Diwas’ is a unique platform dedicated to our frontline warriors. It not only honours their immense contribution but also amplifies their voices, enables them to share their experiences and challenges, and reinforces our collective commitment to their safety and well-being. At Tata Power-DDL, we firmly believe that a resilient power sector begins with empowered and protected frontline workers.”

Highlights of the event:
1. Release of a special Lineman Geet dedicated to the courage, and invaluable contribution of linemen who work tirelessly to ensure uninterrupted power supply across the country.

2. Release of Launch of a ‘Safety Pocketbook’ for linemen containing essential safety guidelines and precautions to be followed while carrying out field operations, aimed at strengthening safety awareness and promoting safe working practices.

3. Introduction of a safety awareness video highlighting the risks associated with lightning and the precautions to be followed by field personnel during such conditions. 

4. High Performing Discoms and High Performing Lineman was felicitated with Award to recognize their efforts in keeping safe and secure power sector.

5. A special display of safety equipment, and advanced tools was organised to facilitate hands-on learning and experience-sharing. 
 

The event was also live telecasted across power utilities nationwide, enabling wider participation and collective observance. 

This Women’s Day, Mpower an initiative of Aditya Birla Education Trust, Founded by Mrs Neerja Birla, Founder and Chairperson Aditya Birla Education Trust and Mpower chose to move beyond symbolic celebrations and instead spotlight the real journeys of women who rebuild their lives after adversity. Through its storytelling initiative “MPowered Voices – Women’s Day Edition,” Mpower created a powerful space for women to share lived experiences of resilience, healing, and self-discovery.

Mpower’s ‘MPowered Voices’ on Women’s Day celebrated courage and resilience as women come together to share powerful journeys of healing, self-discovery, and rebuilding their lives

The session brought together over 86 women, with many contributing unfiltered, moving, and deeply powerful stories that reflected the diverse challenges they navigate in both their personal and professional lives. While some shared these intimate accounts, others drew strength and wisdom from these lived experiences and life journeys. From surviving abuse and rebuilding after divorce to coping with grief, overcoming bullying and body-shaming, navigating identity, and adapting to sudden hearing loss, each story echoed a universal message of courage and renewal.

Participants and speakers at Mpower’s “MPowered Voices – Women’s Day Edition 

One of the most moving moments came from a speaker who shared her journey of growing up in the slums and enduring multiple forms of abuse before eventually discovering her self-worth and confidence. Her story captured the strength it takes not only to survive adversity, but to rebuild one’s life with dignity and belief in oneself.

Another powerful moment came from a mother who spoke about rebuilding her life after divorce while raising her daughter as a single parent, followed by the daughter’s own reflections on growing up through that journey. These intergenerational narratives highlighted how resilience often becomes a legacy passed from one generation to the next.

The session also created space for conversations around mental health, identity, and healing. Speakers openly spoke about living with depression and PTSD, navigating identity as members of the LGBTQ+ community, and transforming personal struggles into purpose-driven work supporting others.

Guided by Mpower Senior psychologist Dilshad Khurana, the session fostered a safe and empathetic environment where participants could speak openly and listen with compassion.

The conversations struck a deep chord with the audience. Many attendees shared that hearing these stories reminded them of their own journeys and left them feeling inspired to reclaim their voice, rebuild their confidence, and move forward with renewed strength.

The importance of such conversations is reflected in broader data on women’s wellbeing. According to a national study on women’s mental health, nearly one in two women in India experiences chronic stress due to work-life pressures, financial instability, and societal expectations, highlighting the urgent need for safe spaces that encourage dialogue, support, and healing. 

“Women’s Day is often celebrated with messages and gestures, but real empowerment lies in creating spaces where women can speak their truth, connect through shared experiences, and rebuild themselves with courage,” said Alpana Mishra, leading MPowered Voices from Mpower.

Beyond the speakers, the listeners too walked away with powerful takeaways. Many participants reflected that the stories helped them recognise their own strength and reminded them that rebuilding oneself is not a moment—it is a continuous journey.

Through initiatives like MPowered Voices, Mpower continues to foster meaningful conversations around resilience, mental health, and empowerment, creating communities where women feel seen, heard, and supported.

About Mpower
Mpower, an initiative of Aditya Birla Education Trust is a pioneering social enterprise dedicated to transforming India approach to mental health. Founded 9 years ago, Mpower has emerged as a leading force in spreading awareness, reducing stigma, and delivering holistic mental health care.

With a robust team of over 200 trained professionals, Mpower impacts more than 121 million lives across seven cities, including Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Delhi and Pune. Operating through five key verticals—Movement, Clinical Care, Outreach, Academia, and Mpower 1 on 1—Mpower offers a comprehensive range of services. The Movement focuses on changing cultural perceptions and alleviating stigma. Clinical Care provides world-class mental health services through the Centre, the Foundation, and the Cell, catering to various needs from holistic care to affordable support for the underprivileged. The Outreach vertical drives awareness and capacity-building through IGNITE Programs for schools, colleges, NGOs, and corporates. Academia equips individuals and professionals with skills to handle mental health crises and foster empathy. The Helpline offers 24/7 multilingual support, while special projects like Samvedana enhance mental health care in primary health centers.

Mpower’s integrated approach and collaboration with government agencies underscore its commitment to creating a supportive and stigma-free mental health landscape.

As early-year students seek clarity during their college journey and final-year students prepare to transition from campus to careers, Naukri Campus has announced the launch of CareerVerse India’s largest virtual career fair created exclusively for college students and early job seekers. Running from 11th to 15th March, CareerVerse is a first-of-its-kind event that brings together job opportunities, mentorship sessions, and AI-powered tools to help students build career readiness, all on a single platform.

College → Career? We’ve built the shortcut. India’s biggest virtual career fair is here. 25K+ jobs, mentors, AI tools & rewards. 11–15 March. Register free now

Built to support students at the very start of their career journeys, CareerVerse is open to all undergraduate students from the Class of 2025 to 2029, across streams and institutions. The initiative aims to equip students with clarity, confidence, and access, helping them transition seamlessly from career uncertainty to job readiness.

CareerVerse brings together 25,000+ fresher job opportunities, 1:1 mentorship from over 20 industry experts, access to AI-powered career and job-readiness tools, and rewards and goodies worth over Rs. 5 lakh—all within one immersive virtual experience.

Through a dedicated CareerVerse landing page, students can explore:

• 25,000+ fresher and entry-level jobs across industries

• 1:1 mentorship sessions with industry professionals

• AI-powered career checklists and job-readiness tools to assess skills and preparedness

• Gamified quizzes, certificates, and rewards to make career exploration engaging and outcome-driven

Designed as a nationwide digital-first activation, CareerVerse allows students from every corner of India to participate without geographical limitations. The initiative will be amplified through short-form video content, targeted digital campaigns across Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube, and collaborations with student creators, career coaches, and Gen-Z voices across Naukri Campus’ social platforms.
 

Commenting on the launch, Rohit Agrawal, Business Head Naukri Campus, Info Edge (India) Ltd. said, “In today’s competitive landscape, career preparation begins long before graduation. Naukri Campus supports students during their college years by connecting them with relevant job opportunities, mentorship, and skill-building tools. With CareerVerse, we bring all of this together into one integrated experience to help students make smarter, more confident career decisions. With CareerVerse, Naukri Campus continues its commitment to empowering young talent by creating meaningful, tech-enabled pathways from education to employment.
 

Registrations for Naukri Campus CareerVerse are now open.

About NaukriCampus
Naukri Campus, the career preparation platform for college students from Naukri.com, part of Info Edge (India) Ltd is designed to power student career journeys in India. With over 4.5 million verified student profiles, it has built one of the country’s largest databases of early-career talent. The platform connects employers with relevant young talent nationwide while supporting students in their transition from campus to corporate through curated job opportunities, mentorship, and job-readiness tools. At the same time, it enables organizations to streamline and scale their campus hiring efforts digitally.

The Good Food Institute India (GFI India), in collaboration with the National Institute of Food Technology, Entrepreneurship and Management, Thanjavur (NIFTEM-T), released a landmark study titled India as a global manufacturing hub for smart protein processing equipment at the 4th Plant Based Foods Summit held on the sidelines of AAHAR 2026. This first-of-its-kind report delivers a comprehensive assessment of India’s current manufacturing capabilities for plant-based smart protein processing equipment, offering strategic recommendations for government, industry, and research institutions to accelerate domestic production and reduce costly import dependence.

GFI and NIFTEM-T launch report on India as a Global Manufacturing Hub for Smart Protein Processing Equipment at AAHAR 2026

The study, led by NIFTEM-T, with valuable contributions from a broad range of academic experts and industry stakeholders in equipment manufacturing, process engineering, and food and agri-processing domains, examines three critical equipment categories at the heart of the plant-based smart protein supply chain: extruders, dryers, and separators. As demand for sustainable protein sources grows, these specialised processing systems are essential for extracting plant protein concentrates and isolates to produce plant-based meat, dairy, eggs, and seafood, among other high-protein plant foods.

According to the report, India imported approximately USD 1.6 billion worth of centrifuges and filtration equipment in 2024–25, while exports stood at just over USD 1 billion, highlighting a significant opportunity to strengthen domestic manufacturing capacity and reduce reliance on foreign suppliers.

The report also highlights technical gaps across key processing technologies such as high-moisture extrusion, drying, and separation systems, which are critical for scaling plant-based meat and other alternative protein products. Addressing these gaps will require investment in shared R&D infrastructure, testing facilities, and technical skill development.

Key Findings:

• India has 150–200 OEMs in these equipment categories that are cost-competitive and mechanically robust but lack the capability for high-performance, precision manufacturing at scale.

• Domestic extruders fall short on key performance metrics, such as screw speeds and torque, limiting their use for advanced plant-based meat applications.

• India has no indigenous manufacturers of food-grade ultrafiltration membranes, as high-end freeze dryers and centrifuges remain almost entirely imported.

• Priority export opportunities exist in Russia, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and African markets, where India’s price-performance ratio is a competitive advantage.

Dr. Padma Ishwarya S., Senior Scientist (Plant-based), GFI India, adds, “Smart protein innovation depends not only on novel ingredients but also on the sophisticated processing technologies that transform them into consumer-ready foods. Through academia and industry collaboration and By investing in R&D infrastructure and equipment testing facilities, India can develop high-performance food-grade processing equipment that serves both domestic manufacturers and global markets.”

The report recommends recognising smart protein equipment as strategic capital goods under Make in India, establishing cluster-based shared manufacturing infrastructure, aligning Indian standards with international norms, and creating dedicated R&D funding pathways for the sector.

Prof. V. Palanimuthu, Director, NIFTEM, Thanjavur, commented, “This report provides a roadmap for strengthening India’s smart protein processing equipment ecosystem by identifying critical technological gaps and opportunities. The insights presented will guide policymakers, industry, and researchers in propelling India toward becoming a global hub for plant-based protein equipment manufacturing. I congratulate the teams from NIFTEM-T and GFI India for their commendable joint efforts in refining and analysing all the data on state-of-the-art facilities and developing actionable recommendations that can significantly accelerate the alternative protein sector.”

The launch of the report in the presence of Takayuki Hagiwara, Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) Representative in India, representatives from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, and representatives from the governments of Germany and Saskatchewan, among other key dignitaries, was a key highlight of the 4th Plant Based Foods Summit. Held alongside the 40th AAHAR in the capital, the summit convened policymakers, scientists, entrepreneurs, investors, and food industry leaders to discuss the future of plant-based foods in India and the broader smart protein ecosystem.

Commenting on the report launch, Arghadeep Saha, Head of Policy, GFI India, said, “This study addresses a foundational constraint that has long held back India’s smart protein sector, the availability of advanced, affordable, and locally serviceable processing equipment. Our analysis shows that India has the manufacturing DNA to close these gaps. What’s needed now is a targeted, coordinated push from government and industry to act on these recommendations and turn India’s engineering strength into a global competitive advantage.”

Through the findings of the report, GFI India and NIFTEM-T aim to support the development of a robust manufacturing ecosystem, making Indian machines the low-risk choice both in India and for export markets and positioning India as a leader in the global alternative protein market.

About Good Food Institute India (GFI India)

The Good Food Institute India (GFI India) is the leading organisation and expert convening body for India’s emerging smart protein sector—the ecosystem of plant-based, cultivated, and fermentation-derived meat, eggs, and dairy. As part of an international network of organisations across the U.S., Brazil, Europe, Israel, Japan, and APAC, we are on a mission to build a secure, sustainable, and equitable global food system for all. Working alongside scientists, businesses, and policymakers, GFI India’s team focuses on making alternative proteins delicious, affordable, and accessible. Leveraging India’s unique strengths—indigenous crops and agrarian economy, low-cost technologies and infrastructure, abundant talent pool, and biomanufacturing prowess—we are pioneering an ecosystem that can put smart protein on every plate.

About National Institute of Food Technology, Entrepreneurship and Management, Thanjavur (NIFTEM-T)

National Institute of Food Technology, Entrepreneurship and Management, Thanjavur (NIFTEM-T) is an Institute of National Importance functioning under the aegis of the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Government of India. NIFTEM-T has premier research and academic capabilities in the field of food technology and has been consistently ranked among the top agri- and allied-discipline institutions in the country. NIFTEM-T provides services to different segments of the food processing sector, spanning innovation, consultancy, incubation, quality testing, outreach, and awareness. The Institute offers BTech, MTech and PhD in Food Technology. With excellent national and international networking, the institute is open for collaborations and partnerships.