The 7th ACFI World Conclave 2026 recently saw the announcement of new Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and strategic partnerships aimed at strengthening India’s air cargo, logistics and export ecosystem.

The collaborations brought state governments and industry stakeholders together to focus on cargo and logistics infrastructure, multimodal connectivity, perishable and high-value cargo, MSME participation and improved access to global markets. Partnerships involving Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, among other states, also sought to develop regional cargo capabilities and link them with international trade networks.

In Uttar Pradesh, the partnership covers perishable logistics, cold-chain infrastructure, air cargo, warehousing and multimodal logistics. Potential initiatives include the development of a Centre of Excellence and the Jewar Aero Logistics & Perishable Export Hub. The Andhra Pradesh collaboration focuses on strengthening air cargo infrastructure and improving cargo handling and logistics processes, with possible development of trans-shipment hubs, Special Economic Zones and Air Freight Stations.

Organised by the Air Cargo Forum India (ACFI), in strategic partnership with Logistics Shakti Enterprise, the conclave was held under the theme, ‘Reimagining Global Trade: India at the forefront of developing Resilient Supply Chains’. It brought together policymakers, airports, airlines, cargo terminal operators, logistics companies, exporters and technology providers.

Sessions examined India’s changing trade landscape, emerging cargo corridors and export opportunities, as well as ways to improve international market access for Indian businesses. Discussions also covered India’s potential to emerge as a major global air cargo hub.

Samir Kumar Sinha, Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India, highlighted the importance of streamlined screening, one-stop security, dedicated transfer cargo security areas and greater technology adoption. He said Air Cargo Policy 2.0 and the proposed National Air Cargo Community System could support end-to-end cargo processing, digital integration and lower logistics costs.

The conclave also marked the launch of the Cargo Service Quality (CSQ) Initiative and featured discussions on vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft, drones, artificial intelligence and smart cargo security.

Ramesh Mamidala, Vice President, ACFI and Head Cargo, Air India Limited, said the next phase of air cargo growth would depend not only on airport capacity expansion but also on faster adoption of new technologies and operating models.

Sanjiv Edward, President, ACFI and Chief Executive Officer – Cargo & Logistics, GMR Group, emphasised the need for coordinated action across airlines, airports, logistics providers, exporters and governments to develop India into a stronger global cargo hub.

The conclave also hosted the Innovatopia Awards, recognising innovations in air cargo and logistics. The partnerships and initiatives announced at the event are expected to support stronger regional cargo networks, wider export access and more efficient cargo operations across India.