In a step towards reimagining India’s chemical and petrochemical landscape, Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare and Chemicals & Fertilizers, Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda, chaired the “Manthan Shivir” organised by the Department of Chemicals & Petrochemicals in New Delhi today. Designed as a platform for collaborative and strategic dialogue, the one-day shivir gathered officials, experts and stakeholders to brainstorm actionable pathways for the sector’s long-term growth. In his address, Shri Nadda underlined the government’s commitment to sustainable, resilient industrial development and urged participants to regularly engage in out-of-the-box thinking and innovative problem-solving. He congratulated the department for curating themes of contemporary importance and highlighted the importance of institutionalising such holistic discussions. “Policymaking must break out of silos,” he noted, encouraging a whole-of-Government approach to achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047. A Sector of National Importance During the deliberations, Ms Nivedita Shukla Verma, Secretary, Department of Chemicals & Petrochemicals, emphasised the sector’s significance to the Indian economy. She pointed out that the chemical industry contributes 1.4% to India’s GDP and nearly 9% of gross value addition in manufacturing. She called for deeper efforts to future-proof the sector, especially in light of evolving geopolitical dynamics and the Government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat vision. Key Themes Discussed: The conference explored six critical thematic areas: Infrastructure Development Sustainability, Recycling & Circular Economy Trade Remedial Measures Boosting Manufacturing Towards Viksit Bharat Skilled Workforce & Training Road Map for a Future-Ready Plastic Industry Each topic was examined by dedicated working groups comprising representatives from various ministries and departments including Revenue, DPIIT, Pharmaceuticals, Skill Development, Science & Technology, MSME, MoEFCC, and NITI Aayog. Several key institutions such as the Bureau of Indian Standards, CPCB, and CIPET also contributed to the deliberations.