Gautham Raju, Senior Manager – Global Air Freight and Head of Air Freight at WIZ said, “We can say that it is not entirely due to knowledge gaps and skill shortages even though we are lacking behind when compared to other sectors. Govt is implementing new policies in place such as NLP and also FTA’s like recently with UK to boost MSME business which will indirectly empower them to implement emerging technologies. The main barrier which we see with MSME’s on adapting to the advanced technologies like AI, IoT and Blockchain is high-cost investment as they might not have sufficient allocations on their annual budget to implement these and maintaining it. Meanwhile the integration of data from the existing systems might be also another challenge which may also end up in data privacy issues. Moreover, they are already comfortable with the process they are currently with, and it might take some time at their level to switch with high end tech savvy apps.

Vipin Vohra, Chairman, Continental Carriers said, “There is a clear gap in digital literacy within MSMEs. Limited in-house expertise to evaluate, implement, or manage advanced technologies, coupled with a shortage of industry-specific training programs, constrains their ability to adopt and scale modern digital solutions effectively. MSMEs in logistics and air cargo face hurdles like fragmented digital infrastructure, lack of standardised processes and limited integration across supply chain systems. Many small players also encounter regulatory uncertainty and fear of operational disruptions during technology transitions. Resistance to change among traditional stakeholders further slows adoption. High initial investment costs for AI, IoT, or blockchain—covering infrastructure, software and training—make MSMEs cautious. With tight margins, these companies seek quick returns, but the longer payback period for technology investments often deters decision-making, especially without clear visibility on tangible benefits.    

Amit Maheshwari, Founder and CEO at Softlink Global asserted, “Despite the growing buzz around AI, IoT and blockchain, the logistics sector—especially MSMEs—remains cautious in embracing these technologies. The biggest barrier is not just cost, but perceived cost. MSMEs fear high upfront investment without immediate ROI, often overlooking long-term gains like process efficiency, visibility, or data-driven decision-making. The fragmented nature of the industry and legacy mindset further slow adoption. Many still use disconnected systems for operations, billing, and compliance—leading to revenue leakage and inefficiencies. There’s also a notable knowledge and skill gap. Owners and mid-level managers often lack exposure to emerging tech, and there’s a shortage of trained talent to implement and manage these solutions. As a result, technology is seen as a disruption rather than an enabler. What’s needed is not just affordable, scalable platforms, but also ecosystem-driven handholding—demos, training, and real-world success stories—to make MSMEs confident that embracing technology won’t break their business, but build it.”  

Parvinder Singh, MD, Hans Infomatic said, “A significant knowledge gap exists. Many MSMEs lack the expertise to evaluate or operate advanced systems effectively, which can lead to underutilisation or fear of adoption. We bridge this gap through dedicated training, support and by designing intuitive interfaces that do not require deep technical skills—helping customers unlock the full potential of digital transformation. The logistics and MSME sector is gradually realizing the benefits of advanced technologies like AI, IoT, and blockchain, but adoption remains cautious due to several barriers. High initial investment, uncertainty over tangible ROI, and integration challenges with legacy systems deter many players. MSMEs, in particular, operate on tight margins and often view technology as a cost rather than a strategic enabler. At Hans Infomatic, we simplify this journey by offering various modular and user-friendly solutions, which require minimal disruption and deliver measurable gains quickly. Our pricing models are also flexible to make it a variable cost model so as to allow the MSMEs to identify the gains within least operational expenses.”

To address the shortage of space for stores and logistics, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) is reportedly looking out for space near Safdarjung airport to establish a centralised logistics hub that will be connected to the airport. “It is noted that at AIIMS New Delhi, there is an acute shortage of space for stores & logistics. As an interim measure, a few vacant houses had been allotted for such use cases. However, as these houses are being allotted and renovated for new occupants, there is a felt need for additional space in close proximity to AIIMS for establishing a logistics hub,” the order copy read. “There is a probability of a land parcel being available near Safdarjung Airport on which AIIMS can establish a logistics hub,” added reports.

According to JLL’s latest report titled ‘India’s sustainable warehousing landscape: A green print,’ the green warehousing sector in India is poised for exponential growth, with certified sustainable warehouse space expected to expand from current levels to approximately 270 million sq. ft by 2030. “In just five years India has witnessed a remarkable transformation in its warehousing landscape. Since 2019, Grade A warehousing stock across India’s major cities has expanded dramatically, growing 2.5 times from 88 million sq. ft to an impressive 238 million sq. ft by 2024. This growth reflects the increasing demand for high-quality storage and distribution facilities as India’s economy modernizes, and e-commerce continues its rapid expansion. More striking is the rise of institutional-grade warehousing space, which has tripled from 28 million sq-ft in 2019 to 90 million sq-ft by end of 2024. This surge demonstrates the growing confidence of major global investors who are bringing international sustainability standards to the Indian market,” the report added.

Ramanathan Rajamani, CEO, AISATS said, “The China+1 strategy, often interpreted as a diversification effort by global firms, should not be viewed as a shift away from China, but rather as an opportunity for other economies like India to complement global supply chain networks and meet the rising demand more collaboratively. In this evolving landscape, India has emerged as a natural partner due to its strong manufacturing capabilities, robust policy support, and improving logistics infrastructure. India’s large, skilled labour force offers cost-effective solutions across multiple sectors, making it an attractive choice for both existing and emerging supply needs. Policy reforms such as the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme and the Make in India initiative have further incentivized domestic manufacturing and foreign investment, particularly in areas of electronics, pharmaceuticals, and textiles. Geographically, India enjoys a strategic location with proximity to key Asian, African, and European markets, enabling smoother access to global trade routes. Its continued focus on infrastructure development, such as dedicated freight corridors, multimodal logistics parks, and port modernization, positions India as a reliable and resilient supply chain node. India’s participation in the “+1” strategy signals a shared role in building a more agile and diversified global supply chain, capable of absorbing shocks and responding to shifting geopolitical and economic priorities.”

Ahead of FIATA World Congress, set to be held from October 6 to 10, 2025, in Hanoi, Vietnam Logistics Business Association (VLA) conducted virtual session of B2B ‘Matching Online Towards’ FIATA World Congress 2025 Initiative, with the purpose of connecting businesses and creating new opportunities for VLA members and international partners. The Air Cargo Agents Association of India (ACAAI) was invited to collaborate and discuss opportunities for connection, cooperation and business expansion for members of both sides, contributing to promoting trade between Vietnam and India in the coming time. Nguyen Duy Minh, Vice President of VLA said, “India is currently one of Vietnam’s top strategic economic partners. Bilateral trade between Vietnam and India has grown significantly in recent years, reaching over USD 15 billion in 2022, and is expected to further expand with the goal of hitting USD 20 billion in the near future. India is a key market in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, agricultural products, textiles, chemicals, and especially logistics and supply chain services. At the same time, Vietnam is becoming an increasingly important manufacturing and investment destination for Indian enterprises. There is a growing interest from Indian companies to enhance their footprint in Vietnam, particularly in logistics infrastructure, port development, and cold chain logistics.” Dinesh Krishnan, Chairman, ACAAI Southern Region also said, “India and Vietnam have longstanding trade and economic relations which have steadily grown over a period of time. From a meagre US$200 million in the year 2000, bilateral trade grew to April 2024 – March 2025 reached US$ 15.76 billion, registering an increase of 6.40 percent year on year. In FY 2024-2025, Vietnam is India’s 20th largest trading partner and 15th largest export destination globally. India …

  Ritco Logistics has entered into a partnership with the Container Corporation of India Ltd. (CONCOR) to foster operational efficiency at the multimodal logistics parks. As part of this agreement, Ritco will operate as a Business Associate of CONCOR. The collaboration aims to provide Ritco with access to CONCOR’s network of 70 multimodal logistics hubs, enabling it to expand operations across key trade routes and underserved regions. This is expected to improve cargo movement efficiency and reduce transit times.

DP World, the Deendayal Port Authority (DPA), and Nevomo have signed MoU to explore potential opportunities for cooperation in the development and implementation of a pilot project using Nevomo’s MagRail proprietary technology for the self-propelled movement of rail-based cargo and freight within the existing port ecosystems. DP World is leading efforts to introduce advanced freight technology aimed at transforming cargo movement in India. Deendayal Port Authority (DPA), a key multi-cargo port under the Government of India, is facilitating exploration of this technology at its terminal in Kandla to evaluate the feasibility of this futuristic freight transportation system. The initiative marks a significant step toward building faster, more efficient, and sustainable port-hinterland connectivity. This initiative is aligned with India’s National Logistics Policy and PM Gati Shakti agenda aimed at modernizing and integrating the country’s logistics infrastructure. The MoU was signed by Shri Sushil Kumar Singh, IRSME, Chairman of Deendayal Port Authority (DPA), Rizwan Soomar, CEO & Managing Director, Middle East, North Africa, India Subcontinent, DP World, and Przemek (Ben) Paczek CEO Nevomo Group BV along with other senior dignitaries in Kandla, Gujarat, on 15th July 2025. The MoU sets the framework for a 750-metre pilot project of MagRail technology at Deendayal Port. A first-of-its-kind initiative in India will demonstrate self-propelled freight movement within a live port environment. It aims to develop and implement MagRail-based solutions that enable autonomous, electric-powered wagons using linear motor technology on existing rail tracks, enhancing capacity, efficiency, and speed for containerized and bulk cargo while reducing costs and CO2 emissions, making the logistics systems greener, faster, and more interoperable.