Mumbai will take center stage this week as top global and Indian chemical industry leaders gather for the 19th Annual India Chemical Industry Outlook Conference & Exhibition, the flagship forum of the Indian Chemical Council (ICC).
Scheduled for 11–12 March 2026 at the Grand Hyatt Mumbai, the conference is widely regarded as India’s most influential strategic platform for the chemical sector.
Now in its 19th consecutive edition, the event has evolved into a premier venue for leadership dialogue, policy engagement, and global collaboration, while promoting best practices in safety, sustainability, and industry resilience.
This year’s conference will be held under the theme “Shaping a Competitive and Resilient Chemical Industry for India.”
As in previous editions, McKinsey & Company will serve as the knowledge partner. The event is supported by the Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, along with the International Council of Chemical Associations (ICCA).
Several prominent international leaders will address the inaugural session on the opening day. Confirmed speakers include Sven Smit, Senior Partner at McKinsey & Company; Claus Rettig, Interim CFO of Evonik Industries AG and President – Asia Pacific; and Marco Mensink, Director General of the European Chemical Industry Council (CEFIC).
Their addresses are expected to focus on competitiveness, resilience, leadership, capital allocation, and strategic transformation across the global chemical industry.
A highlight of Day 2 will be a fireside chat between AN Sreeram, Senior Vice President, Research & Development and Chief Technology Officer at Dow Inc., and renowned chemical engineer Man Mohan Sharma, a recipient of the Padma Vibhushan.
The discussion is expected to explore leadership insights and innovation pathways shaping the future of the chemical industry.
The conference typically draws 700–750 senior-level delegates, including CEOs, CXOs and board members from leading chemical and petrochemical companies, global industry associations, multinational corporations, government officials, regulators, investors, start-ups and research institutions.
Organizers say the event provides a rare platform for high-level networking, closed-door interactions and one-to-one meetings focused on investment opportunities, partnerships, technology transfer and global best practices in safety and operational excellence.
Beyond keynote sessions, the conference will feature discussions on a wide range of pressing industry issues, including: geopolitics shaping the global chemicals industry, how multinational corporations are responding to geopolitical shifts, managing risk and opportunity in chemicals, implications for the US-India partnership and impact on China and opportunity for India.
The conference will also feature elevator pitches by start-up founders in the chemicals sector and fireside chats with industry leaders about their growth journeys.
In parallel with the conference, ICC will also host the Energy & Climate Change Leadership Group meeting of the International Council of Chemical Associations on the same dates and at the same venue.
Senior leaders from ICCA member associations attending the meeting are expected to participate in the conference, creating a unique platform for global engagement and strategic dialogue.
An exhibition running alongside the conference will highlight innovations in chemical manufacturing, safety and risk management, along with technologies supporting safer operations and sustainability.
