Setting an ambitious course for the state’s industrial future, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi delivered a compelling keynote address at India Chem 2026 on October 22, 2026, outlining Odisha’s vision to transition from a mineral-based economy into a robust chemical and petrochemical powerhouse.
The 14th edition of India Chem 2026 commenced today at the Bombay Exhibition Centre in Mumbai, bringing together policymakers, global investors, and industry leaders under the theme “Advantage Bharat: An Emerging Global Chemicals Hub.”
Organised by the Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals (Government of India) in association with FICCI, the three-day premier event runs through 24 October, serving as a vital launchpad for India’s target to scale its chemicals and petrochemicals sector to USD 300 billion by 2030 and USD 1 trillion by 2040.
Key Highlights from the Inaugural Session
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Dignitaries Present: The opening session was graced by Union Minister for Health, Family Welfare, and Chemicals & Fertilisers J. P. Nadda, Union Minister of State Anupriya Patel, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav.
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National Vision: Highlighting the sector’s priorities, J. P. Nadda emphasised research and development, domestic manufacturing, and industry collaboration, noting that advanced chemicals have been integrated into the national R&D scheme backed by a Rs 1 lakh crore corpus.
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Event Scale: India Chem 2026 features Japan as the partner country and Madhya Pradesh as the partner state, attracting international delegates and business leaders to explore advanced manufacturing and cross-border partnerships.
Odisha’s Strategic Shift to Chemical-Led Growth
Addressing the summit, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi outlined the State’s strategic ambition to transition from a traditional mineral-driven economy to an advanced chemical-driven industrial powerhouse.
Key milestones and regional assets highlighted by the Chief Minister include:
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PCPIR & Downstream Hubs: The Paradip Petroleum, Chemicals and Petrochemicals Investment Region (PCPIR), anchored by Indian Oil Corporation Limited’s refinery and petrochemical complex, alongside the Paradip Plastic Park, are driving downstream opportunities in polymers, packaging, and technical textiles.
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Port Connectivity: Strategic access via Paradip, Gopalpur, and Dhamra ports offers robust connectivity to both domestic and international markets.
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Emerging Sectors: Gopalpur is emerging as a hub for green hydrogen, green ammonia, refrigerants, and fluorochemicals, while Talcher and Lakhanpur are spearheading coal-gasification-based projects.
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Institutional Ecosystem: Industry growth is continuously backed by skilled talent pools and institutional frameworks provided by institutions like the Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT) and the Central Institute of Petrochemicals Engineering and Technology (CIPET).
Impressive Investment Momentum
Chief Minister Majhi presented robust figures showcasing Odisha’s fast-tracking industrial landscape:
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Operational Growth: Nearly 200 industrial units have been successfully established in Odisha in under two-and-a-half years, representing an investment of roughly Rs 3.52 lakh crore.
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Total Approvals: Total investment proposals exceeding Rs 22.50 lakh crore have been registered, with over Rs 12.50 lakh crore already cleared by the High-Level Clearance Authority (HLCA).
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International Outreach: Following an investor outreach program in the UAE in September 2026, Odisha secured investment proposals worth approximately Rs 2.5 lakh crore (including ~Rs 2.10 lakh crore from the International Holding Company – IHC), heavily weighted toward chemicals, petrochemicals, and critical minerals.
Odisha is rapidly emerging as a major chemical and petrochemical hub of India. From Paradip to Gopalpur and Talcher to Lakhanpur, new industrial projects are driving growth, strengthening the economy and creating employment opportunities for the youth.
-Hon’ble CM Shri @MohanMOdisha
#Odisha #IndiaChem2026— CMO Odisha (@CMO_Odisha) October 22, 2026
Odisha is moving towards a chemical-driven economy, emerging as a major chemical hub and contributing to India’s $1 trillion chemical industry vision.
-Hon’ble CM Shri @MohanMOdisha
#Odisha #IndiaChem2026 https://t.co/a44L9NIHcd— CMO Odisha (@CMO_Odisha) October 22, 2026
India Chem 2026 continues through October 24, facilitating high-level strategic partnerships, technological collaborations, and major investments to solidify India’s footprint as a global chemical manufacturing hub.
