Times Network’s India Economic Conclave 2025 Day 1: Charting India’s Strategy Amid Shifting Geoeconomics

Chennai, Dec 19: Leaders from government, industry, and global economic institutions convened today at Times Network’s 11th India Economic Conclave (IEC 2025) at Taj Palace, New Delhi, for the first day of the two-day flagship event. The conclave, themed “Navigating Geoeconomics,” provided a premier platform to examine India’s growth, strategic autonomy, and global positioning in an increasingly multipolar world.

left to right - Vineet Jain , MD, The Times Group with Nitin Gadkari, Minister of Road, Transport and Highways, GOI

Day 1 featured high-impact sessions and panel discussions covering economic resilience, trade and capital flows, infrastructure and manufacturing, digital and services-led growth, and emerging priorities including AI, cybersecurity, climate transition, mobility, and defence preparedness. 

Mr. Vineet Jain, Managing Director, The Times Group, said,

“We meet at a moment when the global order is undergoing rapid calibration. Economic power blocs are shifting, tariff battles are redefining trade flows, technological supremacy is the new currency of influence, and energy geopolitics is reshaping alliances across continents. Our latest GDP numbers reaffirm India as the world’s fastest-growing major economy. This year’s theme, Navigating Geoeconomics, could not be more timely. The world is entering an era where economics and geopolitics are inseparable. The strategic importance of Supply chains, critical minerals, energy security, digital sovereignty, and trade alliances is now on par with military decisions. Nations that can integrate economic foresight with geopolitical acumen will define the next global chapter. India is unquestionably one of those nations. India’s moment is not approaching, it is here. As we look forward to 2047– 100 years of our independence—we stand at the threshold of a historic transformation. The mission is clear and unwavering:  To make India a fully developed, globally influential nation by the time we mark 100 years of freedom. Economically robust, strategically secure, technologically sovereign, environmentally responsible and globally respected.”

Nirmala Sitharaman, Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs, highlighted India’s growth story, its ability to navigate global economic challenges, and the government’s focus on strengthening small businesses. Navigating geoeconomics while remaining a bright spot of fast and steady growth and sustaining that level of growth year after year — is something the people of India are achieving. I believe each one of us, including political parties & critics, should recognise this,” the finance minister said. She also underlined the government’s policy thrust under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, particularly towards micro, small and medium enterprises. “Our government, under Prime Minister Modi, has placed a strong focus on MSMEs,” Sitharaman said, pointing to the sector’s role in job creation, manufacturing and exports.

“Globally, it is now very clear that trade is neither fair nor free,” Sitharaman said, underlining how tariffs and non-tariff barriers are increasingly being deployed as strategic tools rather than economic correctives. “Tariffs have been weaponised globally. India’s intention was never to weaponize tariffs. We have safeguarded our industries,” the finance minister said, stressing that New Delhi’s approach has been calibrated and aimed at protecting domestic manufacturing and jobs rather than exerting pressure on trading partners. 

She cautioned that the evolving environment leaves little room for complacency. “Trade is being weaponised through tariffs and other measures, and India will have to negotiate its way carefully,” Sitharaman noted, signalling that diplomacy and strategic negotiations will be critical as global supply chains fragment and economic nationalism rises. Sitharaman also placed India’s current challenges in a longer historical context. “Nearly 25% of global trade once emanated from India. That is the kind of period we should be aiming to return to,” she said, pointing to the government’s ambition to restore India’s prominence in global commerce despite today’s headwinds.

At the same event, Nitin Gadkari, Minister of Road Transport and Highways, mentioned,

“The government no longer faces resource constraints in building highways and transport networks, citing successful road monetisation and innovative financing models. Today, in my experience, we don’t have any resources problem because the way in which we are monetising the road and developing different type of models, DOT, hybrid NUT, NVID, and DOT, there is no problem about resources because the traffic density is very high,” he said.

Highlighting the impact of infrastructure on exports and GDP growth, Gadkari pointed to a sharp reduction in India’s logistics costs. He said, “India’s logistics cost earlier stood at around 16% to GDP, significantly higher than China’s 8% and the 12% average of the US and European countries.”

“In India, previously it was 16%. But the latest study from IIM Bangalore and IIT Kanpur and IIT Chennai, the report indicates that our logistic cost in the road is reduced by 6%. So now from 16 to 10, and the report was three, four months before. So today I’m confident that this logistic cost is a single digit at 9%,” he said.

The minister said lower logistics costs could boost India’s exports by nearly 1.5%, contributing to economic growth and employment generation. “This will not only create wealth but also create more jobs,” he added.

Emphasising the broader impact of road infrastructure, Gadkari said improved highways are transforming multiple sectors. “So by making good roads, not only we are developing trade, business, and industry, but we are developing tourism, and we are also developing good agriculture also. So these are the effects which are very important for the development of our country,” he said.

During her session, Gita Gopinath, Professor of Economics at Harvard University and former Deputy Managing Director of the IMF, said that”with oil prices hovering around $60 per barrel, India has an opportunity to diversify its energy partnerships beyond Russia and recalibrate relations with the United States. “From an economic perspective, this trade-off is not a bad one for India.” 

On the ongoing tariff tensions between the US and China, Gopinath said she does not expect further escalation from Washington. “I don’t think the US will raise tariffs further against China, as it remains dependent on China for rare earth elements, which has become a significant deterrent,” she said.

Discussing how India can capitalise on shifts in global supply chains, Gopinath pointed to improvements in the country’s digital and physical infrastructure, while stressing the need for complementary reforms. She highlighted land acquisition as a major constraint. “It remains very complicated and difficult to acquire land in India. This limits how quickly infrastructure can be built and restricts growth,” she said.

Other distinguished speakers included V Vaidyanathan, MD & CEO, IDFC FIRST Bank, on navigating geoeconomics; Gita Gopinath, Professor of Economics, Harvard University & Former Deputy MD, IMF, on navigating geoeconomics; Mr. Vijay Kiran Anand, CEO – Invest UP, on Uttar Pradesh as an Investment Destination; David Tait, CEO, World Gold Council, on Navigating Volatility – The Golden Opportunity; Patrik Antoni, CEO, IKEA INDIA, on How to Ride the Consumption Wave; and Sridhar Vembu, Co-Founder & Chief Scientist, Zoho Corporation, on IT innovation amongst others. 

IEC 2025 is presented by IDFC FIRST Bank, with strategic support from Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham (Knowledge Partner), World Gold Council (Gold Investment Partner), Radico (Celebration Partner), Axis Max Life Insurance (Insurance Partner), Adani (Associate Partner), Government of Uttar Pradesh (Growth Partner), and NBCC (Infrastructure Partner).

As Day 1 concludes, the conclave has already set a strong platform for robust dialogue on policy strategy, sector-level priorities, and technological innovation. Day 2 will further explore mobility, cyber readiness, AI regulation, workforce strategy, and India’s roadmap for economic leadership and global influence.

Minister P. Rajeev Lays Foundation Stone for CRMAS Research & Manufacturing Centre at Bio 360 Life Sciences Park

Thiruvananthapuram, Dec 19: In a major boost to Kerala’s life sciences ecosystem, Minister for Industries, Law and Coir, Government of Kerala, Shri P. Rajeev, today laid the foundation stone for the Research and Manufacturing Centre of the Centre for Research on Molecular and Applied Sciences (CRMAS) at the Bio 360 Life Sciences Park, marking a significant step towards strengthening the integration of cutting-edge research and industry in the state.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Minister said the project represents a major step forward in Kerala’s efforts to emerge as a leading hub for biomedical and life sciences industries. He noted that CRMAS, which collaborates with premier institutions including the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), several IITs and NITs, will generate over 100 high-skilled employment opportunities through the new facility. He also highlighted that the expansion will enable advanced technology manufacturing, such as Electric Pulse Stimulation (EPS) systems to be undertaken within the state.

Dr. Rajesh Ramachandran, Director, CRMAS, said the new centre will open up advanced research capabilities in areas such as innovative disease modelling systems, neuronal stimulation, and cardiac remodelling. He added that CRMAS aims to evolve into a strong translational research hub, integrating Ayurveda and biomaterials research, and fostering global scientific collaboration to deliver impactful, application-oriented outcomes.

The new facility is being developed in two phases, with the foundation stone laid today for the first phase. The centre will span approximately 15,800 sq. ft., featuring state-of-the-art infrastructure. Of this, 8,600 sq. ft. will house world-class translational research laboratories, while the remaining 6,000 sq. ft. will be dedicated to the manufacturing of AYUSH products developed by CRMAS. The ceremony was attended by Dr. Praveen K.S., CEO, Bio 360 Life Sciences Park; Dr. Mini S., Professor, Department of Biochemistry, University of Kerala; Dr. Sunitha Chandran, Project Manager, Bio 360; and CRMAS Directors Dr. Smitha C. and Dr. Rajesh Ramachandran, among others.With over a decade of excellence in the biotechnology sector, CRMAS has established itself as a leading institution in in vitro disease modelling, translational research, and molecular biology, through collaborations with private industry, universities, and national research centres. This new initiative is expected to further energise Kerala’s biotech ecosystem and serve as a model for effectively integrating research and industry.

Bengaluru Families to Build a ‘Community Wishing Tree Park’ at City Christmas Carnival

Bengaluru, Dec 18: Families in Bengaluru will come together this Christmas to collectively build a Community Wishing Tree Park as part of a city Christmas carnival to be held on December 20. The one-day carnival will take place from 3:00 pm to 9:30 pm at Obi Life, off Sarjapur Road, and will be open to the public with prior registration.

The centrepiece of the carnival will be a large illuminated North Star, around which around 100 miniature Christmas trees will be installed, decorated and lit up by children and parents across a 100-foot open area. Families can hang handwritten wishes on the trees they make together, turning the space into a shared festive installation created by the community. The wishing tree park will remain in place after the carnival, with the OBI North Star becoming a permanent part of the venue as a symbol of the dreams we chase beyond boundaries..

Set across two acres of open lawns with existing trees and farm animals, including baby goats and ducks, the carnival is designed as an outdoor, hands-on celebration for families. The programme is suitable for youngsters, families and groups who love to celebrate the spirit of community gatherings and meaningful connections. Alongside the Community Wishing Tree Park, the carnival will feature live carol singing and letter writing to Santa, meet and greet Santa, hands-on art and craft activities, open play zones, shop and dine experiences and outdoor gathering spaces. The focus is on participation and shared experiences rather than timed attractions or passive entertainment.

The event is organised by Obi Life, a family learning enclave located off Sarjapur Road that focuses on experience-led, community-oriented environments for children and families. Prasanth Madavana, tech entrepreneur and the brain behind Obi Life said, “Like many working parents, we found our child growing up surrounded by packed calendars and adult-designed schedules, with most learning happening inside structured environments since the Covid years. This made us reflect on how much of childhood joy comes from lived, shared experiences rather than rigid formats. The Christmas carnival is an extension of that belief – a space where families build something together and leave behind a space shaped by the community itself.”

Obi Life was conceptualised by Madavana along with his wife Deena Jacob, co-founder and CFO of Open Financial Technologies, and his sister Dr. Dhanya. It is run by a team of globally experienced educators for curriculum advice and day to day functioning. Obi Life focuses on learning through lived experiences and community participation. Over the past year, it has hosted programmes for older children, including robotics bootcamps, capstone projects for ages 12+, workshops led by ex-ISRO senior scientist RR Elangovan, bird-watching walks, farming sessions and structured art courses.

Event Details:
Register: https://space.obi.life/ (Referral code: OBINOEL25)
Venue: Obi Life, Off Sarjapur Road
Date: December 20, 2025
Time: 3:00 pm – 9:30 pm

Supple Tek Celebrates Farmer’s Day, Empowers 3,500 Farmers with Sustainable Agriculture Programs

Punjab, Dec 18 : On the occasion of Farmer’s Day, Supple Tek reaffirms its commitment to strengthening India’s agricultural backbone through structured, science-driven and farmer-first initiatives. With a legacy of trust and innovation, our mission is to uplift farming communities and sustainably enhance productivity, Supple Tek continues to invest in programs that equip farmers with modern knowledge, high-quality inputs, and better market opportunities.

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Supple Tek has effectively engaged 3,000–3,500 farmers across Punjab and Haryana under the Compliance Pesticide Program in partnership with Syngenta and Bayer Crop Science.The initiative was designed to promote good agricultural practices, encourage the responsible and prudent use of pesticides, and introduce effective techniques for managing crop diseases.

The program has made a substantial contribution to lowering crop losses and enhancing the general sustainability and health of farmlands through frequent encounters, field demonstrations, and knowledge-sharing platforms.

Supple Tek’s Paddy Seed Production Program stands as a benchmark in quality-led seed development. The program, which is carried out under stringent guidelines, close collaboration with IARI to obtain breeder seeds. Production of certified seeds overseen by the Haryana Government Seed Certification Agency, rigorous training sessions for one day at BEDF Modipuram, Meerut (UP), and village‑level gatherings held every two weeks to provide practical advice to farmers.

Thirty committed farmers are currently engaged in this initiative, leveraging Supple Tek’s expertise to produce superior paddy seeds. Superior paddy seeds have been widely distributed across Punjab and Haryana as a result of this project, allowing farmers to increase grain quality, yield, and profitability.

“Farmers are the core of our journey and the reason India continues to thrive as a global agri leader.” In addition to boosting output, our programs are made to guarantee farming communities’ long-term profitability, sustainability, and safety. We honor their tenacity on this Farmer’s Day and promise to keep providing them with the best research, education, and innovation,” said, Supple Tek Spokesperson

IMI Kolkata to Host 19th ISDSI-Global Conference on Digital Solutions for a Sustainable, Zero-Carbon Future

IMI Kolkata to Host Prestigious 19th ISDSI-Global Conference on Digital Solutions for Zero Carbon Emissions and Sustainable Planet

IMI Kolkata a leading B-school and a part of the RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group, is hosting the 19th ISDSI-Global Conference from 26th to 29th December 2025, in collaboration with the Intercontinental Society for Data Sciences and Innovation-Global (ISDSI-G). It will bring together leading global academics, industry leaders, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and researchers to deliberate on the theme “Tech for Net Zero: Digital Solutions for a Sustainable Planet.”

The four-day conference will open with an Inaugural address by Mr. Harsh Agarwala (Executive Director, Ori-Plast) and Prof. Bhimaraya Metri (President- ISDSI-G & Director, IIM Nagpur). The keynote address will be given by Prof. Angappa Gunasekaran (Penn State Harrisburg, USA) and Prof. Ravi Jain, Secretory General- ISDSI-G & Director- IILM Delhi. The conference will be graced by the presence of the Guest of Honour – Dr. Vinay Ranjan (Coal India Ltd.) and the Chief Guest – Prof. Bharat Bhasker (Director, IIM Ahmedabad).

The conference will feature two flagship Director’s Panels, bringing together Directors and Deans from leading B-schools, including IIM Calcutta, IIM Lucknow, IIM Ranchi, IIM Sambalpur, IIM Amritsar, IIM Mumbai, IMT Ghaziabad, VGSoM – IIT Kharagpur, SPJIMR, FORE, IILM, Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics, and IMI Kolkata. Additional highlights will include a CEO Panel, a Start-up Panel, an International Accreditation Panel with EFMD, AACSB, and AMBA, a Publishing Panel with senior academics and journal editors, a panel with leading Women Entrepreneurs, and a panel on the Indian Knowledge System featuring scholars from IIM Bangalore, IIM Calcutta, XLRI, MDI Murshidabad, and IIM Tiruchirappalli.

Doctoral scholars and researchers will participate in masterclasses and workshops on publishing, digital research tools, R-based analytics, and meta-analysis. Additional sessions on the Masterclass of ESG and Theory of Constraints will add value to the conference.  Two spotlight sessions will be organized to augment the learning opportunities for the participants: one by the School of Design Thinking and another by the Director of IIM Sambalpur.

Presentations across specialized tracks will highlight emerging research in sustainability, digital behaviour, energy transitions, green HRM, and inclusive financial technologies. Research presentations will span topics such as blockchain-enabled agriculture, AI governance transparency, drone adoption, algorithmic bias, digital sweatshops, and machine-learning models for climate and healthcare applications. It will be followed by the ISDSI-G Investment Summit 2025, where over 60 start-up founders, shortlisted from 185 submissions, will pitch their ideas across multiple tracks. Further, Cultural events by the Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat team, the Director’s Welcome Dinner, and the Gala Dinner will enrich the participants’ experience through networking opportunities. The conference will culminate with the Valedictory Ceremony and Prize Distribution, graced by Prof. B. Mahadevan (Former Professor, IIM Bangalore).

With more than 60+ technical tracks having submissions from 26 countries, and all IIMs along with leading B Schools of India, high-level panels, workshops, masterclasses, and startup pitches, the ISDSI-Global Conference 2025 will serve as a powerful platform for advancing research, shaping policy discourse, and fostering innovation at the intersection of technology and sustainability.

Shaam-E-Sufiyana at Soak, Novotel Pune A Soulful Sufi Evening by the Poolside

Soak, the chic poolside bar and lounge at Novotel Pune, is all set to elevate your evening with Shaam-E-Sufiyana, a mesmerising Sufi night featuring a live performance by Noor-E-Suroor. Scheduled for 19th December, from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM, the event promises an enchanting blend of soulful music, breezy ambience, and flavourful culinary delights.

Soak Novotel Pune  (2)

Located beside the glistening pool, Soak has fast become one of Pune’s most stylish social spaces  known for its resort-like vibe, curated grills, and signature cocktails. Guests attending Shaam-E-Sufiyana can indulge in Soak’s delicious à la carte menu, featuring global grills, tandoor signatures, and chef-crafted small plates. Complementing the food is an array of innovative cocktails, house-infused blends, and refreshing concoctions inspired by botanical flavours.

Sharing his excitement for the event, Anant Leekha, General Manager, Novotel Pune, said:

“Shaam-E-Sufiyana brings together the essence of Soak  soulful experiences, relaxed luxury, and a vibrant poolside setting. At Soak, every evening is designed to make guests feel refreshed and inspired. With live Sufi music by Noor-E-Suroor, flavour-packed grills, and our signature cocktails, we look forward to creating a memorable night for our guests.”

With soothing live melodies, ambient lighting, open-air seating, and thoughtfully crafted food and beverages, the evening is perfect for those seeking a serene yet uplifting weekend escape.

What: Shaam-E-Sufiyana

Where: Soak, Novotel Pune Nagar Road

When: 19th December, 7 pm to 10 pm

Price: A La Carte

CoverSure Launches Platform to Highlight Health Insurance Coverage Gaps

India, Dec 17: CoverSure, a consumer-first InsurTech platform, has launched Policy Health Check, a health insurance review platform designed to help policyholders assess whether their current coverage still matches their needs in light of their changing lifestyles, health conditions, and other factors. It helps insured individuals to identify coverage gaps ahead of renewals and other decision points.

Image l Saurabh Vijayvergia, Founder & CEO of CoverSure  (1)

The platform reviews policies across more than 30 parameters and is supported by consultations with IRDA-certified insurance experts to help users understand their coverage and available options ahead of renewal. Based on the assessment, users receive inputs on whether to continue with their existing policy, make changes to coverage, or consider porting to another insurer.

Most health insurance policyholders in India renew their policies each year without reviewing whether the coverage still aligns with their current needs. Changes in healthcare costs, family structure, or medical history often go unaccounted for, resulting in coverage gaps that become apparent only at the time of a claim. The platform seeks to address this by helping policyholders understand what their existing policy covers and where limitations may exist, enabling more informed decisions.

The launch comes amid growing concern over passive health insurance renewals in India. While nearly 573 million people in the country hold health insurance as per the data by IRDAI, a CoverSure survey found that majority policyholders are either under-insured or unsure whether their policies still offer adequate protection. Many continue to renew the same plans year after year without reviewing them, even as healthcare costs rise and personal circumstances change.

Policy Health Check reviews an individual’s existing health insurance policy across key coverage parameters and highlights areas where coverage may no longer be sufficient. Built on an analysis of more than 1,500 health insurance policies from over 60 insurers, the platform is intended to help both new and long-time policyholders review their coverage ahead of renewal, rather than discovering limitations during a medical emergency.

Saurabh Vijayvergia, Founder and CEO, CoverSure, said;

The primary hurdle in health insurance lies in the fact that insurance lies dormant most of the time – only to be revisited on 2 occasions  renewals and claims. This neglect, in turn, leads to financial vulnerabilities during claim scenarios in the future  because insurance isn’t an evergreen product. Plans, add-ons, coverage  need to undergo alterations as the policyholder’s life undergoes changes. At CoverSure, we recognised this gap in awareness and launched a policy assessment solution to help people move away from routine renewals and review their health insurance coverage more carefully.

AGSKI 360’s Tastepreneur Event Showcases India’s Emerging F&B Entrepreneurs

Catch Tastepreneur Grand Event Organised by AGSKI 360 Celebrates India’s Emerging F&B Entrepreneurs at SGT University

Gurugram, Haryana, Dec 17: AGSKI 360 (Anantaa GSK Innovations Pvt. Ltd.), in association with its Knowledge Partner, the School of Hotel and Tourism Management at SGT University, hosted the Catch Presents Tastepreneur Grand Event at the SGT University campus in Gurugram. The event successfully brought together culinary visionaries, hospitality experts, and F&B entrepreneurs, celebrating the dynamic world of Indian food and hospitality innovation. With a focus on entrepreneurship, mentorship, and leadership, the event was a grand celebration of India’s vibrant F&B industry.

Catch Tastepreneur

The event was inaugurated by the esteemed Chef Vivek Saggar, the General Secretary of the Indian Culinary Forum and the Chief Guest, who added great industry relevance to the event. Chef Saggar’s leadership and commitment to the culinary arts served as a source of inspiration to the many budding entrepreneurs present at the event.

Tastepreneur a platform designed to empower India’s emerging culinary leaders, food-tech innovators, and hospitality entrepreneurs  was the highlight of the day. Through live demonstrations, panel discussions, networking sessions, and competitions, the event offered invaluable mentorship to aspiring food entrepreneurs, enabling them to develop their concepts into viable businesses. Attendees included prominent chefs, industry veterans, startup founders, food bloggers, influencers, educators, and institutional leaders.

One of the unique aspects of the Tastepreneur platform is its ability to bridge the gap between creative culinary talent and industry expertise. The event provided a space for industry veterans to mentor new startups, helping them scale their operations and refine their business models. It featured culinary innovation showcases, where participants had the opportunity to present their groundbreaking ideas and recipes. A key focus was placed on fostering collaboration, where food-tech entrepreneurs and hospitality leaders could connect and exchange ideas.

In addition to the in-person event, Tastepreneur expanded into a reality show format, with ten engaging episodes that featured some of the top figures in the food industry acting as “sharks”. These sharks evaluated innovative food startups, offering invaluable investment opportunities, mentorship, and strategic guidance to entrepreneurs, helping them elevate their businesses to the next level.

Another key feature of Tastepreneur is the AGSKI 360 Podcast Series, available on the AGSKI 360 YouTube Channel, where industry leaders share their expertise, discuss emerging trends, and provide thought leadership to the larger F&B community. These podcasts serve as a rich resource for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to gain insights from industry veterans.

The event also witnessed culinary competitions for students, celebrating young talent in India’s evolving food landscape. The HomeChef competition stood out as it showcased exceptional culinary skills from across the country, providing an opportunity for amateur chefs to showcase their expertise and creativity.

Greenman ‘Viral Desai’ Receives ‘National Energy Conservation Award’ for Third Consecutive Time

New Delhi, Dec 17: Viral Suresh Desai, a renowned environmentalist and industrialist from Gujarat, has been honoured with the prestigious National Energy Conservation Award (NECA) at a grand ceremony held in New Delhi. Mr. Desai received the award from the President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu.

National Energy Conservation Award

This marks his third consecutive Golden Trophy and his sixth National Award in total, recognizing his extraordinary contribution to energy conservation and environmental protection. Known as the “Greenman”, Viral Desai’s company has gained national recognition for adopting cutting-edge methods for energy efficiency and conservation.

His environmental protection efforts are not limited to the industrial sector. Viral Desai has developed seven beautiful Urban Forests in Gujarat so far, which play a significant role in increasing greenery and maintaining biodiversity in urban areas.

Expressing his joy on this achievement, Viral Desai stated,

“This award is not just for me or my company, but for everyone committed to nature. Energy conservation is the need of the hour, and my resolve to save the environment will only grow stronger. This honor inspires me further to keep working towards a ‘Clean and Green’ future.”

His achievement of developing seven Urban Forests are a matter of pride for Gujarat and the entire nation in the field of energy conservation and environmental security.

26th German Christmas Market Concludes Successfully Ushering in Festive Spirit in the Capital

New Delhi,  Dec 17: The Indo-German Chamber of Commerce (IGCC), under the aegis of the German Embassy, successfully hosted the 26th edition of the much-loved German Christmas Market (GCM) at the PSOI Lawns, Chanakyapuri. The two-day event, a cornerstone of Indo-German cultural exchange in New Delhi, witnessed a significant turnout of dignitaries, diplomats, and families, marking a vibrant celebration of the festive season.

Mr. Georg Enzweiler, Deputy Chief of Mission, German Embassy

Visitors engaged in an authentic holiday atmosphere full of traditional German flavours and Indian treasures. Children were delighted by a dedicated schedule of activities, including an on-the-spot painting competition, festive games, creative workshops, and special appearances by a juggling clown and Santa Claus throughout both days.

The German Christmas Market was inaugurated by the Deputy Head of Mission of the German Embassy, Georg Enzweiler along with opening remarks from Jan Noether, Director General, Indo-German Chamber of Commerce.

“The German Christmas Market is always a highlight of our cultural calendar in India. This event is far more than a festive gathering; it has become a true Delhi tradition. To see this city embracing the tradition of the German Weihnachtsmarkt deepens mutual understanding and strengthens the ties between Germany and India. It is through such shared experiences that we build a lasting partnership, one rooted in mutual respect and cultural exchange.” – Georg Enzweiler, Deputy Head of Mission of the German Embassy

“Witnessing the scale, joy, and deep-rooted affection for this market as I experience it for the first time fills me with a sense of pride. For the 26th year, this event has seamlessly blended the objectives of the IGCC (fostering trade, innovation, and collaboration) with celebration, becoming an essential part of Indo-German friendship. It is opportunities like the German Christmas Market which leave a lasting impact on cultural and economic partnership. This tradition not only enriches our bilateral ties but also reflects the shared values and vibrant spirit of cultural exchange.” – Jan Noether, Director General, Indo-German Chamber of Commerce

The choral singing by the Mozart Choir of the Austrian Cultural Forum New Delhi brought in the yuletide spirit of beloved European traditions to the PSOI Lawns in Chanakyapuri.

Live band performances set the mood for the evenings, getting the crowd grooving to evergreen retro tunes.

The 2025 edition featured innovations and sustainable solutions powered by German engineering. A stunning car display featuring the all-new BMW X3 xDrive 20 added to the glamour of the event with its eye-catching iconic glow. German industry leaders, including ORAFOL, demonstrated their expertise in advanced films and reflective solutions, promoting road safety awareness through an engaging interactive face-painting station. Deutsche Bahn presented its vision for integrated, sustainable mobility, engaging visitors on the future of smart transportation. BOSCH drew significant attention with a display focussing on their latest power tools, demonstrating cutting-edge efficiency and technology for both professional and DIY users. These exhibits reinforced the market’s role as a platform not just for festivity, but for tangible engagement and technological exchange between India and Germany.

“It is heartening to see how the German Christmas Market has grown over the years and now stands as a bookmark event for Delhi’s winter season. It is IGCC Delhi’s largest cultural event and provides us with a vital platform to connect with our partners, stakeholders and the wider community. The market uniquely merges commerce with culture, enabling us to present innovation within the vibrant setting of festive traditions. It remains our privilege to carry this cherished tradition forward for many more editions to come.” – Shivani Chaturvedi, Regional Director, Indo-German Chamber of Commerce

The event was supported by other Associate Partners Deutsche Bahn, Lufthansa, and R.E. Rogers India and Partners such as Airbus, BMW, Bosch,DZ Bank, Germany Tourist Office, Landesbank Baden-Württemberg and Orafol.

“Participating in the German Christmas Market for the second year reaffirms DB’s commitment to cultural exchange and sustainable mobility. We thank IGCC and the German Embassy for this valued partnership, which allows us to engage with citizens, celebrate Indo-German ties, and share DB’s role as operator and maintainer of the Namo Bharat regional rail project in Delhi NCR.” -Michael Kortüm, COO, DB RRTS Operations India

The successful conclusion of the 26th German Christmas Market reaffirms its status as a cherished tradition, leaving behind a strengthened sense of Indo-German fellowship and a joyful, lasting memory for all who attended.