Marking its 20th edition, the forum serves as a flagship platform for high-level dialogue, convening policymakers, regulators, development practitioners, academics, and industry leaders to advance innovation and development in Islamic finance. This year’s forum will focus on strengthening regional integration and unlocking sustainable growth across IsDB member countries through Islamic finance solutions.

The forum will examine how Islamic finance can help address structural development challenges, including “development traps” that constrain inclusive growth and resilience. It will also highlight innovative Islamic social finance mechanisms, particularly Awqaf Free Zones, as tools for mobilizing sustainable resources to support food and energy security.

Key highlights of the forum include keynote speeches, launch of a new report on the prospects of Islamic Finance in Azerbaijan alongside other flagship publications, announcement of a memorandum of understanding between IsDBI and Labuan Financial Services Authority, distinguished panel discussion sessions, and unveiling of top achievers in the Applied AI in Islamic Finance Competency Challenge.

H.E. Taleh Kazimov, Governor of the Central Bank of the Republic of Azerbaijan, will deliver the first keynote speech, followed by Eng. Adeeb Yousuf Al Aama, Chief Executive Officer of ITFC, whose speech will be on behalf of the IsDB Group. Dr. Sami Al-Suwailem, Acting Director General of IsDBI, will deliver the welcome remarks.

The first panel session will explore how Islamic finance can help countries overcome development barriers and achieve sustainable economic transformation. The panelists include Mr. Shahin Aydin Mahmudzade, Executive Director, Central Bank of Azerbaijan; Mr. Adnan Zaylani, Deputy Governor, Bank Negara Malaysia; Ms. Mihoko Kumamoto, Director, Division for Prosperity, UNITAR; Dr. Bambang Brodjonegoro, Dean, Asian Development Bank Institute; and Dr. Areef Suleman, Chief Economist, IsDB Group. The session will be moderated by Mr. Mustafa Adil, Head of Islamic Finance, London Stock Exchange Group.

The second panel session will examine innovative approaches to mobilizing Islamic social finance, particularly through Awqaf Free Zones, to address global food and energy challenges. The speakers include Mr. Valeh Alasgarov, Chairman of the Board, AFEZ Authority, Azerbaijan; Dr. Mansur Muhtar, Chairman of the Board, Bank of Industry, Nigeria; Professor Emeritus Dato’ Dr. Azmi Omar, President & CEO, INCEIF University; and Mr. Orkhan Vidadi oglu Mammadov, Chairman, Small and Medium Business Development Agency of Azerbaijan (KOBİA). The session will be moderated by Mr. Yahya Rehman, Associate Manager, IsDBI.

The forum is expected to generate actionable recommendations, strengthen partnerships, promote stakeholder collaboration, and advance innovative, AI-enabled tools to support the growth of Islamic finance globally.

More information about the forum is available on the IsDBI website here.

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India’s GCC ecosystem has evolved beyond cost and operational efficiency centres into strategic hubs driving innovation, digital transformation, advanced engineering, research, analytics, and enterprise-wide solutions. As this shift accelerates, Pune is emerging as the next chapter of India’s GCC story—defined by clear purpose and momentum. The city’s strong industrial legacy, deep engineering talent, vibrant technology ecosystem, robust academic base, and high quality of life make it an increasingly attractive GCC destination.

The report, developed in collaboration with AMCHAM and research partner UnearthIQ, underscores the factors that make Pune an increasingly attractive destination for global enterprises. These include its deep, functionally skilled talent pool, strong tech ecosystem, strong presence of U.S.-headquartered organisations, supportive state policies, and rapidly expanding digital and infrastructure capabilities. Today, Pune is home to 500+ GCCs across sectors, with organisations from over 30 countries leveraging the city’s strengths to drive global innovation, operational excellence, and enterprise-wide transformation.

Pune’s growth is strongly driven by U.S.-headquartered companies, which continue to expand their footprint and establish future-ready centres with end-to-end ownership, innovation mandates, and global impact.

Supportive policy measures such as the Government of Maharashtra’s GCC Policy 2025, alongside investments in AI, digital infrastructure, talent, and innovation ecosystems, are set to further accelerate this momentum. Increasingly, successful GCCs are those that evolve beyond execution to become capability centres—building for future needs as much as present demands—an environment Pune is well positioned to support.

Shalini Pillay, Partner and India Leader, Global Capability Centres, KPMG in India, notes, “As India’s Global Capability Centre story enters its most consequential chapter, Pune is emerging as a compelling destination for organisations looking to establish and scale future-ready capability centres. With its strong ecosystem spanning talent, infrastructure, and innovation, Pune offers a unique opportunity to go beyond execution and build centres that deliver enterprise-wide value and transformation for global organisations.”

Key insights from the report include:

• Pune is home to 500+ GCCs, with firms from 30+ countries across 20+ industries
• The city accounts for ~14% of India’s GCC units and ~9% of total GCC talent
• Pune’s GCC ecosystem is growing at ~9% CAGR, with strong expansion expected through 2030
• 130+ GCCs have entered or expanded in Pune since 2024, signalling accelerating momentum
• U.S.-headquartered firms anchor ~55% of Pune’s GCC base
• Pune produces ~200,000 graduates annually, including ~90,000 STEM graduates
• Maharashtra’s GCC Policy 2025 aims to establish 400 new GCCs and create 4 lakh high-skilled jobs
• Future growth will depend on addressing infrastructure, connectivity, and talent challenges while leveraging opportunities such as AI-first mandates, policy support, and the Mumbai–Pune business corridor
• Pune can strengthen its position by capitalising on overflow from saturated Tier-I cities and scaling AI-led innovation hubs

Together, these insights position Pune as a critical node in India’s next phase of GCC-led growth. As global organisations increasingly prioritise innovation, AI, and value creation, Pune offers a compelling platform to build scalable, innovation-driven, and future-ready global capability centres.

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The firm will deploy the majority of this capital toward pursuing international acquisitions to expand into new markets, including entry into new jurisdictions such as Australia and the addition of firms that strengthen its service capabilities. Alongside this, organic growth will remain an equally important driver, with continued investment in talent, leadership development, and training to build skills across its global teams. A portion of the investment will also support KNAV’s ongoing automation and AI deployment across its service lines.

KNAV is currently in Phase 1 of its AI deployment, focused on embedding AI into core workflows to improve quality, efficiency, and decision-making, with further expansion planned over time.

This financing builds on KNAV’s initial funding from NKSquared in September 2024. Since then, the firm has grown its global revenues from $26 million in 2023 to $50 million in 2025 and expanded its presence across international markets, including the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and, most recently, in the UAE.

Headquartered in Atlanta, KNAV operates across seven countries, serving more than 1,500 enterprises, primarily multinational. The firm has built a global delivery model that combines local expertise with cross-border execution, supporting clients seamlessly across markets.

“NKSquared’s continued support reinforces our long-term vision of building a truly global accounting and advisory firm,” said Nishta Sharma, CEO, KNAV Advisory Inc. “This investment allows us to pursue international acquisitions to enter new markets, while continuing to invest in our people and in building capabilities across the firm.”

“Our follow-on investment reflects our conviction in KNAV’s leadership, its consistent execution, and its ability to grow with both agility and discipline. That’s a rare combination, and it gives us real confidence in their vision to build a truly global professional services firm, proudly originating from Indian roots,” said Nikhil Kamath, investor and entrepreneur at NKSquared.

KNAV’s growth strategy continues to focus on a dual approach of international acquisitions and organic expansion, deepening client relationships, entering new markets, and strengthening capabilities across assurance, tax, and advisory.

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The report captures insights from 115 government leaders, executives, and technology decision‑makers from around the world, offering a focused view of how public sector organisations are embracing artificial intelligence (AI), data, cybersecurity, and digital foundations while grappling with challenges around scale, skills, and governance.

As governments accelerate toward a more digital, data‑driven future, the research highlights a clear shift from tactical projects to enterprise‑wide transformation. While AI and cybersecurity remain high on the agenda, leaders are placing renewed emphasis on strengthening core digital foundations, including cloud platforms, enterprise systems, data management capabilities, workforce skills, and ecosystem partnerships, to build resilience and improve service delivery in an increasingly complex environment.

The findings underscore that ambition continues to outpace execution. Many public sector organisations are still constrained by fragmented data environments, organisational silos, legacy technology debt, and talent shortages, limiting their ability to scale pilots and convert innovation into sustained, measurable impact. In response, leading governments are sharpening their technology strategies, adopting citizen‑centric design principles, and forming trusted, outcome‑focused partnerships to accelerate execution, strengthen delivery confidence, and unlock long‑term public value and trust.

Nilachal Mishra – Partner and Head, Government and Public Services, KPMG in India, said, “India’s public sector stands at a critical juncture as it moves from digital implementation to intelligent, outcome-led transformation. While AI, data, and cloud provide the technological impetus, lasting impact will depend on three foundations: robust digital infrastructure, seamless institutional integration, and trusted cross-sector partnerships. By embedding citizen-centric design, responsible AI, and resilient operating models into the core of government, India can accelerate execution, enhance public trust, and deliver long-term value at scale“.

Key findings from the Global Tech Report 2026 – Government and Public Sector include:

• 89 per cent describe themselves as technology innovators or fast followers, signaling strong transformation intent
• 86 per cent believe managing AI agents will become an important workforce skill within the next five years, reinforcing the urgency of talent and capability transformation
• 64 per cent plan to increase investment in cybersecurity over the coming year, reflecting heightened risk and threat awareness
• 59 per cent expect to increase budgets for data and analytics, many by more than 10 per cent, to improve insight‑driven decision‑making
• 55 per cent say they are getting 40 per cent or more of their financial value from foundational and core tech
• 48 per cent of government respondents say they will be deploying AI use cases into production at scale within the next 12 months
• 43 per cent admit they are hitting roadblocks in scaling digital and AI initiatives across the enterprise
• 40 per cent anticipate spending more than 40 per cent of their technology budgets on maintaining legacy environments, highlighting the drag of technical debt

Taken together, the insights point to a government and public sector at a critical inflection point. Those organisations that invest in strong digital foundations, responsible and scalable AI, cyber resilience, and workforce capability—while maintaining a human‑centric, outcomes‑driven approach—will be best positioned to deliver trusted, resilient, and citizen‑focused services in the Intelligence Age.

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The India Grand Opening took place on January 20, 2026, marked by a traditional Indian inauguration ceremony. On January 21, 2026, customers and partners were invited to a customer event to gain insights into the new facility and its technical capabilities.

India as a Key Growth Market

India is one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing markets for injection molding applications. With the new site, Molding Solutions has moved closer to customers in the region while creating a strong foundation for sustainable growth. The investment is aimed at shortening lead times, expanding production capacity, and further enhancing service levels.

The global market for hot runner systems and related injection molding technologies is estimated to be in the hundreds of millions of dollars, with Molding Solutions currently holding a market share of below 10 percent globally. In India, the company estimates the addressable market at approximately USD 200 million, with its current market share in the 15–20 percent range, reflecting strong growth momentum in the region.

While Molding Solutions is already strongly positioned in the automotive sector – particularly through the Synventive brand – the company sees its fastest growth in medical, healthcare, FMCG and electronic applications, driven by rising demand for high-precision molded components and advanced manufacturing standards.

Local-for-Local as Part of the Global Production Strategy

Until now, a large share of the Indian market has been served from Molding Solutions’ production facilities in China. The new site significantly reduces this dependency and enables a consistent local-for-local approach. The India facility will play a central role in supplying not only the domestic market but also the wider Asian region, including Southeast Asia, Japan, and South Korea, while China will continue to serve its domestic market independently.

Molding Solutions’ leadership highlighted that India is now set to become the company’s primary manufacturing and service hub for Asia (excluding China), strengthening supply chain resilience and reducing reliance on cross-border imports.

From India, Molding Solutions now supplies both the domestic market and other Asian countries, while global production capacity has been expanded without replacing existing locations.

“India is one of our most important growth markets worldwide. With this new facility, we are creating the conditions for shorter lead times, greater flexibility, and even closer technical collaboration with our customers in the region while maintaining our global standards,” says Marcello Vendemiati, President of Molding Solutions.

Comprehensive Hot Runner Capabilities on Site

The new facility provides the full range of capabilities for the development, manufacturing, and support of hot runner systems. At the start of operations, systems from the Synventive and Thermoplay brands are being manufactured and supported on-site.

Currently, the Pune facility is capable of manufacturing approximately 50 percent of the company’s product portfolio, with plans to expand to full product range coverage as market demand grows and local operations scale further.

Key technical capabilities include:

• Design Engineering
• Mold flow analysis
• Application checks
• Assembly of hot runner systems
• After-sales service, including a repair centre
• Quality management and key account management

This setup covers all major stages of the hot runner value chain and ensures globally consistent quality and process standards.

Globally Connected, Locally Focused

At launch, the site employs a team covering engineering, operations, sales, after-sales service, and administration. Teams are in ongoing exchange with Molding Solutions’ global network in Europe, China, and the United States, working in continuous exchange.

Over the next few years, the company expects its shop-floor workforce to grow to around 120 employees, with total headcount including engineering, sales, and administrative teams reaching up to 250 professionals, subject to market growth. By the end of 2026, staffing levels are projected to reach approximately 220 employees.

Molding Solutions has already received strong interest from customers, with over 120 companies expected to visit the new facility as part of its customer engagement programme following the inauguration.

At the same time, the local Indian team brings deep knowledge of regional market requirements, enabling highly responsive and customer-focused technical support.

Molding Solutions invested in a 16,000-square-meter production and office facility with a modern machinery fleet.

Investment, R&D, and Long-Term Expansion Outlook

Molding Solutions has invested approximately USD 30 million to date in the Pune facility, primarily in high-precision machinery, production systems, and fixed manufacturing infrastructure. The company expects total investment in the site to reach USD 50 million as the facility continues to scale.

At a global level, the group invests close to 5 percent of annual revenue into research and development, amounting to approximately USD 20 million per year, focused on new technologies, product innovation, and advanced manufacturing solutions.

Looking ahead, the company plans to further expand manufacturing scope, local engineering capabilities, and R&D activities in India. Leadership noted that India is expected to evolve into a major global design and manufacturing hub for tooling and injection molding technologies, shifting from an import-driven model to one increasingly focused on domestic production and exports.

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Photo: GOPIO Webinar on Diaspora Role in Shaping Future Technologies – Speakers and Organizers: Top Row l. to r. Dr. Thomas Abraham, Siddarth Jain, Prof. Prasad Yarlagadda, Prakash Shah; Middle Row l. to r. Vatsala Upadhyay, Sunil Vuppala, Bhavini Patel, Prod. Himanshu Jain; Bottom Row l. to r. Melissa Frakman, Krishanu Acharya, Prof. N.P. Padhy and Dr. Durga Das

Opening the session, GOPIO International President Prakash Shah, President of GOPIO International, said the event underscored how STEM has powered India’s migration waves and global influence.

“Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math have been a crucial driver of the waves of migration from India to the Western world in the last sixty years,” Shah said. “Originally dubbed the brain drain, this migration has fertilized every Silicon Valley in every Western country.”

He recalled how the phrase “Better brain drain than the brain in the drain” silenced early criticism of the movement of Indian talent. “There is no doubt now that Indian scientists and engineers have played the most crucial role in the technological advances of the last sixty years in every branch of technology,” Shah added.

Dr. Thomas Abraham, GOPIO’s Founder and Chairman, traced the organization’s evolution since 1989 and its mission to connect global Indian professionals with their homeland.

“We have worked to bring the Indian diaspora into mainstream public life and address the issues of our community for thirty-six years,” he said. “Now we are expanding that mission to technology and innovation, building bridges between diaspora scientists, technologists, and entrepreneurs and their counterparts in India.”

Dr Abraham highlighted plans to foster collaboration in advanced computing, AI, nanotechnology, critical minerals, and clean energy. “We want to identify and network diaspora experts in each area so that they can strengthen India’s innovation ecosystem,” he emphasized.

As chair of the GOPIO Webinar Series, Sunil Vuppala welcomed the speakers and audience, describing the event as part of GOPIO’s broader effort to connect the diaspora’s intellectual capital with India’s growth story.

“Each month’s discussion brings forward voices from different parts of the world who are defining the global Indian identity through innovation and excellence,” he said.

Vuppala commended the speakers for representing both academic rigor and entrepreneurial drive. “This is what distinguishes the Indian diaspora — a commitment to knowledge, collaboration, and giving back,” he said.

Two Directors of NITs, Dr. N.P.Padhy, Director of Malaviya National Institute of Technology (MNIT, Jaipur, India) and Dr. Anupam Shukla, Director of Sardar Vallabhbhai National Institute of Technology (SVNIT, Surat, India) Were distinguished guest at the event. 

Director Padhy spoke about India’s scientific transformation and how collaboration with the diaspora can accelerate the achievement of national goals.

“India today is not just a participant but a driver of global technology,” he said. “The synergy between domestic talent and diaspora experience is essential for achieving leadership in clean energy, space research, and digital transformation.”

Padhy emphasized that interdisciplinary research is the foundation of India’s innovation ecosystem. “We must move beyond silos — AI, materials science, and sustainable engineering must come together to meet real human needs,” he added.

MNIT Director Prof. N.P. Padhy Speaking at GOPIO Tech Webinar

Moderating from Australia, Prof. Prasad Yarlagadda, Dean of Science, Engineering, and Digital Technologies, Southern Queensland University, reflected on his four-decade career in advanced manufacturing and nanotechnology.

“By 2035 and 2050, universities may become just hubs of learning,” he said. “They will facilitate rather than deliver education as we know it today.”

He shared his experience leading collaborations with Indian institutions, including the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bengaluru and IIT Madras, in energy materials and antibacterial nanotechnologies.

Dr Himanshu Jain, T.L. Diamond Distinguished Chair in Engineering and Applied Science, and Professor of Materials Science and Engineering at Lehigh University, and currently on Sabbatical at the University of California (Davis), presented on advanced materials and the critical role of glass in sustainability, clean energy, and healthcare.

“Glass is the oldest man-made material, but its future applications — from photonics to climate change — are transforming industries,” Dr. Jain said.

He outlined innovations such as solar-concentrating glass mirrors, energy-efficient building glazing, and glass composites for wind turbines. “The next frontier,” he added, “is moving from electronics to photonics and even using glass as a controlled-release fertilizer for sustainable agriculture.”

Dr. D.R. Nagaraj, Henry Krumb Professor of Professional Practice, Department of Earth and Environmental Engineering, Columbia University, New York(USA), spoke about “Mines of the Future” and the need for sustainable extraction of critical minerals.

“Minerals are the backbone of civilization — without them, we’d be hunter-gatherers,” Dr Nagaraj said. “Clean energy and technology depend on minerals as much as energy depends on mining.”

Dr. Nagaraj highlighted how 54 critical minerals, including lithium, cobalt, and rare earths, drive global supply chains. He warned of dependence on unstable sources and called for precision mining using AI, robotics, and data analytics. “We cannot have clean energy without mining, and we cannot mine without energy,” he said.

Entrepreneur and public policy leader Bhavini Patel, Executive Director of Sustainable Pittsburgh (USA), discussed the role of Indian American professionals in driving inclusive innovation and civic engagement.

“We often think of technology as code and machines, but at its heart, it’s about people — who build it, who have access to it, and who it benefits,” she said.

Patel emphasized the importance of representation and collaboration among women in tech, business, and public policy. “Our diaspora’s story isn’t just one of success — it’s about building systems that include the next generation of dreamers,” she added.

Melissa Frakman, Investor, CEO & Founding and Managing Partner of EMVC (USA), spotlighted India’s fintech surge and the Diaspora’s role in scaling it globally.

“Beyond capital, our founders need mentorship, networks, and cultural fluency,” she said. “Diaspora venture capital provides all three.”

She emphasized the importance of trust and cross-border experience in building resilient startup ecosystems. “India’s fintech ecosystem is one of the fastest-growing in the world — and it’s stronger when connected to its diaspora roots,” Frakman noted.

Entrepreneur Krishanu Acharya, co-founder and CEO of Delhi-based Suhora Technologies (India), described how his startup uses satellite-based AI analytics for national security, mining, and disaster management.

“We bring space-based surveillance and analytics for critical infrastructure,” he said. “Our India-first platform is export-ready, integrating AI and remote sensing for defense, energy, and disaster resilience.”

He emphasized ethical AI: “We use AI to complement humans, not replace them. Human oversight remains central to every decision.”

Dr. Durga Das, founder and CEO of AiroWater (USA/India), showcased his company’s innovation: producing clean water from atmospheric moisture.

“There’s seven times more water in the air than in the ground, yet we wait for it to rain and dig for it,” she said.

Das explained how his company’s “water from air” devices are addressing water crises in cities like Chennai and Cape Town. “We’re turning air into a sustainable water source,” he noted, calling it “a technology born of necessity and driven by impact.”

The webinar concluded with a call for closer collaboration between global Indian innovators and their counterparts in India. GOPIO leaders reaffirmed their goal of expanding specialized technology councils, creating sectoral networks, and aligning Diaspora innovation with India’s national growth priorities.

“From AI and space to minerals and water, the Indian Diaspora continues to shape the world’s technological destiny,” Dr Abraham said in closing. “GOPIO is committed to being that bridge.”

The program ended with a vote of thanks by GOPIO Secretary Siddarth Jain. Technical support for the Zoom meeting was provided by GOPIO Associate Secretary Vatsala Upadhyay.

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INDIA: Emirates commemorates four decades of operations in India and connecting the nation to global opportunities. From its inaugural services to India on 25 October 1985, Emirates has evolved to become one of the country’s most prominent international carriers, offering seamless connectivity via Dubai, award‑winning hospitality, and enduring commercial ties.

Over a span of 40 years, Emirates has carried over 24 million passengers between Dubai (DXB) and Mumbai (BOM) on more than 95,000 flights in both directions, and more than 15 million passengers between Dubai (DXB) and Delhi (DEL) on 60,000 flights, reflecting a shared story of mobility and progress.  

Today, Emirates serves nine gateways across India – Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kochi, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Thiruvananthapuram operating 167 weekly flights to Dubai and onward to its global network. Across four decades of service, each flight has been a catalyst, connecting people, enabling commerce, and driving progress and prosperity.

Marking the occasion, Mohammad Sarhan, Vice President – India & Nepal, Emirates, said: “It is an incredible milestone to complete 40 years of serving India, a market that has been a cornerstone of our global operations. We are humbled by the continued trust that Indian travellers have placed in Emirates over the decades. From the very beginning, we have promised to deliver world‑class service, seamless connectivity, and a superior flying experience. As we look to the future, we remain committed to delivering on this promise to our customers by continuously innovating to maintain our position as the airline of choice for millions of travellers while also deepening our relationship with India.

India has always been an integral part of the Emirates’ journey and success. Over the past four decades, our partnership with India has grown from strength to strength, built on mutual trust, respect, and a shared vision of connecting people and opportunities across the world. We are proud of the role we have played in supporting India’s connectivity, trade, tourism, and economic growth, linking cities like Mumbai and Delhi through Dubai to global destinations across North America, Europe, and beyond.”

Strengthening Global Connectivity

For generations of Indian travellers, Dubai has been a gateway to discovering the world. From Mumbai, popular onward connections over the past year included New York, San Francisco, Houston, Boston, Los Angeles, Dallas-Fort Worth, Washington D.C., Toronto, Seattle, Manchester, London Heathrow, and Paris Charles de Gaulle. Inbound flows into Mumbai via Dubai prominently originated in New York, Houston, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Dallas–Fort Worth, Boston, Seattle, Washington D.C., Toronto, Manchester, London Heathrow, and Johannesburg.

From Delhi, travellers connected to Seattle, Toronto, San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York, Washington D.C., Montreal, Manchester, Boston, London Heathrow, London Gatwick, and Houston. Inbound to Delhi over Dubai included Seattle, Toronto, San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York, Houston, Montreal, London Heathrow, Washington D.C., Manchester, Dallas Fort Worth, and Boston.

Emirates’ “Fly Better” promise means understanding what Indian travelers value and delivering it through culturally relevant services, regionally inspired cuisine, and personalised experiences throughout the journey. This also includes popular movies and music content in nine regional languages specific to India, and live sports tournaments such as cricket, golf, and more have all enriched the travel experiences of Indian travellers over the past 40 years.

Supporting India’s Trade and Exports

Beyond passenger operations, Emirates SkyCargo has played a vital role in facilitating India’s trade flows. Over the last five years, the carrier has transported around 700,000 tonnes of exports and imports between India and the world. Key commodities have included pharmaceuticals, perishables, and other cargo, supporting businesses in reaching new markets efficiently and reliably.

Charting the Path Ahead

Emirates continues to invest in India by deploying its latest aircraft, enhanced cargo capabilities, and product innovation. Milestones such as the introduction of its flagship A380 aircraft to Mumbai in 2014 and to Bengaluru in 2022, the rollout of Premium Economy to Mumbai, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, and Kolkata on a mix of aircraft in its fleet and the deployment of the latest A350 aircraft on Republic Day this year in Ahmedabad and Mumbai underscore a long‑term commitment to India’s travellers and trade. With one of the youngest wide‑body fleets and a network spanning six continents, Emirates aims to remain a vital partner of India and enabler of connecting people, cultures, and opportunities for decades to come.

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Under the theme “Innovate. Integrate. Impact: The Future of Mobility,” the event will bring together the entire automotive value chain, said Mr Arvind Goel, Chairman, CII WR Taskforce on Future Mobility & Vice Chairman, Tata Auto Comp Systems Ltd. The show will cover a comprehensive range of topics, including Commercial Vehicles, Passenger Vehicles, Policy and Regulatory Guidelines, EV Business Ecosystem Development, Sustainable Charging Infrastructure, Battery Technology, Automotive Aftermarket, Automotive Materials, Automotive Logistics, EV Manufacturing Innovations and Investments, Rapid Metro, High-speed Trains, Urban Air Mobility, and Infrastructure development.

Akash Passey, Chairman, CII WR Taskforce on R&D, Innovation & Digitalisation & Co-Chairman, CII WR Taskforce on Future Mobility, and President, ZF Group India, added, “This platform will enable Punekars and participants from across Western India to explore the latest automotive technologies and engage with industry leaders who are shaping the next generation of mobility solutions.”

Rajnikant Behera, Chairman, CII Pune Zonal Council & Executive Director, RSB Transmissions (I) Ltd, stated that “The Indian automotive industry is currently at a very exciting stage, driven by several mega trends that are set to define and shape the future of mobility. This makes the ‘Next Gen Mobility Show’ especially significant and timely.”

The show will feature world-class automobile brands and industry stakeholders, showcasing Internal Combustion Engine (ICE), Electric, Hybrid, Hydrogen, CNG/LNG, and Ethanol/Biofuel Powertrains, alongside traditional and new-age auto components, Electrical and electronic subsystems, Mechanical subsystems, and the latest automobile technology trends driving the future of mobility.

M S Shankar, Co-Chairman, CII WR Taskforce on R&D, Innovation & Digitalisation & Sr Advisor and Head Group Innovation & Technology, ANAND Automotive Pvt Ltd, said that through a series of expert-led discussions, the event aims to foster collaboration, innovation, and sustainable growth within India’s rapidly evolving mobility ecosystem.

Key highlights include: 9th October 2025 – CII Automotive Research & Development Conclave 2025: “Navigating the New Era of Automotive Research Excellence”

10th October 2025 – CII Software Led Mobility Conclave 2025: “Driving India’s Software-led Mobility Revolution”

ARAI-AMTIF: ‘Navigyaan’ – Startup & Innovation Conclave 2025

The CII NexGen Mobility Show 2025 promises to be a dynamic platform for policymakers, industry leaders, innovators, and researchers to exchange ideas, explore business opportunities, and shape the future of sustainable mobility in India and beyond.

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The FDP featured distinguished speakers, including Dr. Mina Beigi (Southampton Business School, UK), Dr. Ramadhar Singh (Ahmedabad University), and Dr. Praveen Kumar (MD & CEO, Barclays India), along with academicians from Deakin University, Washington University, and Manchester Business School.

With participation from 65+ scholars across IITs, IIMs, NITs, Symbiosis, and other leading institutions, the program offered workshops on research methodology, Smart PLS, SPSS, bibliometrics, meta-analysis, and data analytics.

Highlighting ISB&M’s vision, Dr. Arun Joshi said the FDP aimed to “develop a culture of curiosity-driven research with exposure to FT-50 editors.” Dr. Pramod Kumar added, “An impactful PGDM institute is where visionary leadership meets academic excellence to shape tomorrow’s business leaders. This FDP reflects our mission to not just create researchers, but global knowledge leaders.”

The event reinforced ISB&M’s commitment to global academic excellence, coinciding with its recent membership in BGA-AMBA and the AACSB network.

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PUNE: Bharat Forge Ltd., a global leader in engineering and manufacturing, today announced its unaudited financial results for the first quarter ended June 30, 2025 (Q1 FY26). The company navigated challenging export market conditions, delivering resilient performance driven by strong domestic demand and strategic order wins.

Key Highlights (Standalone Q1 FY26)

• Revenue: ₹2,105 crores, decline 2.7% QoQ
• EBITDA: ₹588 crores with a margin of 27.9%
• PBT (before exceptional items): ₹465 crores
• PAT: ₹339 crores
• New orders secured: ₹847 crores, including ₹269 crores in Defence
• Defence order book: ₹9,463 crores

Consolidated Financial Performance

• Revenue: ₹3,909 crores
• EBITDA: ₹682 crores, margin of 17.5%
• PBT (before exceptional items): ₹423 crores

Chairman and Managing Director Mr. Baba Kalyani shared:

“During the quarter, the company secured new orders worth Rs 847 Crores, including Rs 269 Crores in Defence. As of Q1FY26, the defence order book stood at Rs 9,463 Crores. For the defence vertical, based on the projects/platforms we have participated in, we expect to secure new orders in this fiscal year, generating more revenue visibility for future years.

The US & European operations witnessed meaningful improvement in financial performance in the Apr–Jun quarter and are generating cash profit. Review of the European steel manufacturing footprint is on track, and we expect to have concrete steps in place by the end of this year.

Given the recent tariff announcement by the US government and changes to emission regulations in North America, we are cautious on the outlook for the US export business for the remainder of the fiscal year. FY26 is likely to be a challenging period, given where we are in the overall cycle and our geographical exposure. Our focus is on capturing opportunities in businesses & geographies which are relatively unaffected and work simultaneously on cost optimization to minimize the impact of operating deleverage.”

Business Segment Overview

• Domestic Business: Passenger Vehicle and Industrial segments performed strongly; defence execution remained robust.
• Exports: Declined 12.7% QoQ; North America impacted by emission norm rollback and policy flux; Europe showed early signs of recovery. CV exports to Europe saw some revival post the lows seen last year.
• International Operations: Both US and European businesses showed improved EBITDA; aluminium operations improved execution; European steel footprint review ongoing.

Despite headwinds from tariffs and regulatory uncertainties in key export markets, Bharat Forge continues to strengthen its position through targeted diversification and operational efficiency. Defence remains a strong growth vector, and our global operations have begun generating cash profits.

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