India’s Specialty Chemicals Sector Charts a Bold New Course: ISCMA Leads The Way
On the shimmering shores of Worli Sea Face, at the Blue Sea Banquets venue in Mumbai, the Indian Specialty Chemical Manufacturers’ Association (ISCMA) hosted its Annual Industry Get-Together last weekend. The evening was more than a celebration – it was a reaffirmation of the sector’s resolve to lead with innovation, sustainability and strategic foresight.
The gathering brought together over 150 distinguished members, industry leaders and guests, underlining the importance of community, collaboration and continued excellence in the specialty chemicals industry.
Driving Home the Message of Innovation and Sustainability
Mr. Nadir Godrej, Chairman and Managing Director of Godrej Industries Ltd, and the Chief Guest for the event, delivered a compelling keynote, noting that “chemicals make our life worth living,” and emphasizing that the industry must boldly increase its investments in R&D, green energy and digital transformation. “It is time for Indian players to seize a larger share of the global market,” he said, setting a visionary tone for the evening.
Prof. Aniruddha B. Pandit, Vice Chancellor of the Institute of Chemical Technology, and the Guest of Honour for the event, echoed this forward-looking spirit. Highlighting the role of collaboration in driving innovation, he emphasized that “the synergy between a chemist, chemical engineer and technical salesperson is what takes ideas from lab benches to global markets.”
Other future-ready strategies for Indian manufacturers which were touched upon by both the industry-academia stalwarts emphasized areas such as:
- Adoption of AI and digitization for process optimization
- Upgrading manufacturing practices to GMP standards
- Leveraging new energy sources such as solar and wind
- Developing future-proof skills and attracting top talent
- Exploring M&A opportunities to achieve global scale
Dr. Yashwant Jhaveri, Founder, Vasu Chemicals LLP and President of ISCMA, noted, “Sustainability may be a challenge, but it’s also an opportunity. If we prepare our factories for high-tech industries, such as semiconductors and advanced formulations, we can help India outpace China.”
Recognizing Excellence in Specialty Chemicals
The evening also honoured outstanding contributions through the ISCMA Export Awards for Excellence, 2025. Winners included:
- Small Scale Category: Sauradip Chemical Industries Pvt. Ltd.
- Medium Scale Category:
- 1st Place: Val Organics Pvt. Ltd.
- 2nd Place: Navdeep Chemicals Pvt. Ltd.
- Special Recognition Award: Mr. Jaideep Shah, Executive Director, Sauradip Chemical Industries Pvt. Ltd., who received the Young Entrepreneur Award for his dynamic leadership.
After a brief vote of thanks delivered by Mr. Umasankar Mahapatra, Managing Director, Pulcra Chemicals India Pvt Ltd. & Vice President of ISCMA, the formal proceedings concluded on a high note and the guests were treated to a delightful networking dinner accompanied by an engaging musical performance by Anand Palwankar and Shefali Taggarsi. The ambience was warm, the conversations impactful and the sense of community palpable.
The ISCMA Annual Get-Together served not only as a celebration of milestones but also as a platform to shape the future of India’s specialty chemicals sector.
As both Mr. Vinay Patil, Managing Director, S A Pharmachem Pvt. Ltd. and Immediate Past President, ISCMA and Mr Rajive Shah, Managing Director, Sauradip Chemical Industries Pvt. Ltd. and Vice President, ISCMA aptly noted, “ISCMA has interesting plans ahead for the Indian specialty chemicals sector and will continue to increase our influence and reach in the global markets, along with supporting our ISCMA members in building strong, globally competitive organizations.”