Balagopal Balachandran, National Air Freight Head, FEI Cargo said, “The unrest in Nepal is not just a political story, it’s playing out the lives of farmers, truckers and traders on both sides of the border. Bilateral trade between the two nations reached approximate US$8.54 billion in FY 2024-25. India exported goods worth US$7.3 billion to Nepal, while Nepal shipped about US$1.2 billion into India, mostly soyabean oil, polyester yarn, cardamom, jute products and carpets. When borders stall, both flows take a hit. At Rupaidiha in Uttar Pradesh and Sunauli in Bihar, more than 1,000 trucks stood idle for days. “We watched our vegetables rot in front of us,” said an Indian trader, forced to sell produce locally at throwaway prices. Losses crossed crores a day, with onions, soyabean meal and dairy among the worst hit. For Nepal, dependent on India for fuel, Spare parts, medicines and construction materials, the blockade meant shortages and rising costs.  Nepal’s exporters too felt the squeeze. Soyabean oil and cardamom shipments bound for India were stuck in transit, hitting small producers and cooperatives hard. Carpet exporters in Kathmandu feared losing international buyers who rely on timely deliveries through India’s ports. Looking ahead, resilience is key. Now, as normalcy resumes slowly so are the supplies, stakeholders are urging long term fixes: faster border clearances, cold chain support for perishables and digital customs integration. For millions tied to this trade, one truth is clear: India–Nepal connectivity is more than commerce. Nepal needs Indian corridors and India’s border states rely on Nepal’s markets.  

CK Govil, President, ACAAI joined an esteemed panel at Vanijya Bhawan during Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT)’s event commemorating three successful years of the National Logistics Policy (NLP). During the discussion, he shared valuable insights on how collaborative efforts, policy support, and innovation are collectively propelling India’s logistics ecosystem towards enhanced efficiency, resilience, and sustainable growth.

  Stryker announced the expansion of its R&D presence in India with the opening of a new facility in Whitefield, Bengaluru. Building on its existing 220,000 square foot R&D campus in Gurgaon, the new 140,000 square foot facility further strengthens Stryker’s footprint in the country. The new state-of-the-art facility brings together cross-functional teams and industry-leading lab infrastructure, uniquely blending next-generation capabilities in robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), digital innovation and product security. Complementing this innovation hub, a medical experience center will deepen collaboration with healthcare professionals by showcasing solutions that help save lives and improve patient care, including ICU beds, stretchers, ambulance cots, and hospital and public-access AEDs (automated external defibrillators).  

The ongoing Cold Chain Unbroken (CCUB) event marked a milestone following signing of a deal between Cold Chain Unbroken Services and Pharmacom Italy, while another was signed with NAB-CCM. These partnerships are aimed at driving innovation, enhancing infra, and elevating service standards across the cold chain industry. Through these alliances, the organisations will work together to deploy advanced cold chain technologies, streamline logistics solutions, and support knowledge exchange across global markets. The collaborations underscore a commitment to build a resilient, efficient and sustainable cold chain ecosystem, critical for sectors such as pharma, healthcare, and food logistics.

The Cold Chain Unbroken event began in Hyderabad, drawing air cargo & logistics and pharma leaders from across the globe. The event served as a platform to showcase the latest innovations, address pain points, and explore the future of cold chain technology. Key deals were signed during the event, paving the way for collaborations and tech advancements. Nikhil Chakravarthy J, Commissioner, Director, Industries, Govt of Telangana, was the Chief Guest and Pradeep Panicker, CEO, GMR Hyderabad International Airport was the Guest of Honour. The latter highlighted the sector’s role in ensuring food and pharma safety. The following sessions in the event engaged in dialogue around strengthening temperature-controlled supply chains. An industry report was also launched, which offered an in-depth insight into trends, innovations and investment opportunities in the global cold chain ecosystem.

As India marks three years of NLP, Ketan Kulkarni, MD & CEO, Allcargo Gati Limited and GESCPL says, “In three years, the National Logistics Policy (NLP) has emerged as a catalyst for transformation, reshaping India’s logistics sector into one that is cost-efficient, transparent, and globally competitive. With logistics costs likely to approach single digits at around 9 per cent of GDP by 2025-end and facilitation of seamless multimodal transport, the policy is fostering a supply chain ecosystem that is faster, greener, and better connected.” He added, “The NLP has laid the groundwork for digital transformation in logistics, creating an enabling environment that allows platforms, such as the Open Network for Digital Commerce to integrate with logistics service providers and bring innovative technology solutions to smaller businesses. Coupled with the recent GST rate reduction, these reforms are driving enhanced regional connectivity, expanding trade opportunities, and stimulating economic activity nationwide.”

  The Brihanmumbai Custom Brokers Association (BCBA) Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Annual Dinner Celebration brought together key stakeholders from the cargo, logistics and customs sectors for an evening of networking, collaboration and celebration. The event served as a valuable platform for industry professionals to exchange ideas, discuss trends and strengthen partnerships. A major highlight of the evening was the launch of a new digital app aimed at streamlining trade processes and boosting efficiency across the supply chain. Designed to support seamless communication and operational transparency, the app reflects BCBA’s commitment to driving innovation and growth within the trade and logistics ecosystem.

  JBS Academy, affiliated with Kaushalya–The Skill University, has introduced two courses — a PG Diploma in Customs Clearance and Freight Forwarding and a Certificate Course in Exim Executive. The one-year PG Diploma (870 hours across two semesters) provides in-depth training on policies, procedures, rules and regulations in customs clearance and forwarding. At the end of the course, candidates would be awarded a diploma by the university. This programme meets the eligibility criteria for regulation six aspirants. The Certificate Course in Exim Executive is a 210-hour, three-month programme designed to provide knowledge on export-import operations, documentation, policies and procedures. It prepares students to be job-ready for roles in export-import organisations and logistics companies.

The Embassy of the Sultanate of Oman to India, in collaboration with Optimax Aces and the India Arab Countries Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture, successfully hosted an exclusive economic event focused on Khazaen Economic City. The event, held in New Delhi, brought together prominent business leaders, government officials and dignitaries to explore investment opportunities in four key sectors: food processing and logistics, pharmaceuticals and healthcare, textile and factory outlets and light manufacturing and export-oriented SMEs. The event highlighted the strategic advantages of Khazaen Economic City and fostered meaningful dialogue for future collaboration.

GE Aerospace and Silk Way West Airlines have announced an extended services agreement to support the carrier’s growing fleet of widebody Boeing freighter fleet, said Onno Pietersma, Chief Operating Officer, Silk Way West Airlines. These include five GEnx-2B-powered 747-8Fs, six GE90-115B-powered 777Fs, and four GE9X-powered 777-8Fs. In 2021 and 2022, Silk Way West announced the purchase of Boeing 777-8Fs and Boeing 777Fs as part of its fleet modernisation strategy. The airline has an annual turnover surpassing 5 lakh tonnes, with a network extending to over 40 destinations worldwide, encompassing Europe, CIS, the Middle East, Central and Eastern Asia and the Americas.