Federal Express Corporation (FedEx) and the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) have inaugurated the FedEx SMART Centre (Supply Chain Modelling, Algorithms, Research and Technology Centre) on the institute’s campus. The innovation hub will focus on developing sustainable, technology-driven logistics solutions. Backed by a five-year, $5 million grant from FedEx, the Centre will integrate cutting-edge research, advanced digital tools and industry expertise to reimagine supply chains for greater agility, resilience and environmental responsibility. The inauguration was led by Kami Viswanathan, President, Middle East, Indian Subcontinent and Africa (MEISA), FedEx, along with Nitin Navneet Tatiwala, Vice President, Marketing, Customer Experience and Air Network, MEISA, FedEx, Prof V Kamakoti, Director, IIT Madras and Prof Ashwin Mahalingam, Dean (Alumni and Corporate Relations), IIT Madras.

Om Telecom Logistics, a group company of Om Logistics has announced a major development with the acquisition of land to establish a new warehousing facility in the Industrial Area, Bagroda, under the M.P. Industrial Development Corporation Limited. The Bhoomi Poojan and inauguration ceremonies were held in the esteemed presence of the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Dr. Mohan Yadav, who officially inaugurated the facility, marking the commencement of this project. With an investment of ₹10 crore in land for warehousing, the new facility is projected to create over 100 job opportunities in the region. It will strengthen infrastructure, enhance supply chain capabilities, support regional industries and contribute to the overall growth of the logistics sector. As part of its long-term vision, Om Logistics Limited has outlined a future investment plan of approximately ₹50 crore to support further expand its presence in the Madhya Pradesh region.

Knight Frank India in its latest half yearly report titled, India Warehousing Market Report, recorded a 42 per cent YoY surge in leasing volumes to 32.1 million square feet across the top markets like Mumbai, Pune, Kolkata, Chennai, Delhi NCR, Ahmedabad and Bengaluru. This sharp rise in demand was led by the manufacturing sector, which saw a 71 per cent YoY growth in space uptake, accounting for 45 per cent of the total transactions. The report highlights the expanding role of India as a resilient, consumption-led and manufacturing-driven economy whose industrial and warehousing market is benefiting from global trade realignments, government-led infrastructure and PLI investments. The increasing focus on higher grade facilities is also apparent. Transaction volumes reflect this shift as 63 per cent of leased space was Grade A, up from 54 per cent a year ago. Pan-India stock exceeded 500 mn sq ft in H1 2025, with Grade A assets constituting 75 per cent of new supply; vacancy dropped from 13.1 per cent to 12.1 per cent as supply lagged demand. The manufacturing sector emerged as the leading occupier during H1 2025, accounting for 45 per cent of all transactions, a significant leap from prior periods. The sector’s leasing volume reached 14.6 mn sq ft, up 71 per cent YoY in H1 2025. Notably, Mumbai and Pune together absorbed 44 per cent of this space, led by prominent companies such as SKS Fasteners, RenewSys India, Godrej & Boyce, and Lupin. The shift of global supply chains, government support through PLI schemes and India’s competitiveness in energy, chemicals, automotive and heavy engineering has positioned the country as a viable manufacturing destination. Interestingly, warehouses are also increasingly being retrofitted to …

The ongoing supply chain shocks, geopolitical tensions and tariff escalations have pushed the world toward regionalisation,” said Amit Maheshwari Founder & CEO, Softlink Global. He added, “in this context, India’s ‘Vocal for Local’ and ‘Make in India’ initiatives are not just patriotic slogans—they are strategic levers for resilience. But let’s be clear: shifting trade dynamics overnight is not easy. Indian manufacturers and exporters will need to adapt fast—by improving product quality, scaling up infrastructure and embracing digital technologies. This shift is less about self-reliance in isolation and more about strengthening India’s role as a dependable node in the global value chain. Technology will be the backbone of this transition. From factory automation to digital logistics platforms that unify documentation, compliance and trade finance, tech-led efficiency will define who thrives in the new era. Yes, the industry will cope. But only those who act, adapt and automate will lead. The world is rethinking trade. India must not just respond—we must lead.”

Jeena & Company announced a strategic collaboration with Salesforce to accelerate its digital transformation journey forward. This collaboration will help Jeena & Company unlock deeper customer intelligence, data driven decision making and consistency across teams. As part of the first phase, Jeena & Company is deploying the Salesforce Sales Cloud to enhance sales visibility and enable faster, more integrated engagement across its logistics network. The platform will empower sales teams with real-time visibility across every stage of the deal cycle, helping drive quicker closures and improve conversion rates. With a single source of truth for customer data through Salesforce Cistomer360, Jeena & Company will deepen customer engagement, personalise outreach and unlock recurring revenue opportunities. With a legacy of over 125 years and presence across critical freight and logistics verticals, Jeena & Company is now future-proofing its operations by tapping into the full potential of Salesforce’s trusted, scalable and AI-ready platform. This marks a strategic shift from legacy systems to intelligent workflows that deliver connected, data-rich, and consistent experiences for customers and partners alike.

Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru (BLR Airport) has concluded its most successful mango season, exporting 921 MT of mangoes globally. This represents a 12 per cent increase over last season — the equivalent of 31.5 lakh mangoes shipped in FY 2025. Sourced from the lush mango belts of Karnataka and neighbouring regions, BLR Airport helps deliver this golden harvest from local orchards to consumers worldwide. This season’s success reflects BLR Airport’s growing role as a global hub for perishables. Shipments reached 51 international destinations, a 21 per cent increase from last year, with 19 new destinations added to the network. A total of 24 airlines facilitating mango exports this season. Top five international destinations include Dulles (IAD) Dallas–Fort Worth (DFW), San Francisco (SFO), Chicago (ORD) and Seattle (SEA). Satyaki Raghunath, Chief Operating Officer, Bangalore International Airport Ltd (BIAL), said, “At BLR Airport, we take great pride in being a trusted link between our farmers and global consumers. The success of this mango season speaks to the collaborative efforts of our regulatory bodies, airline partners, cargo handlers, trade promotion councils, trade bodies and farming communities.”

Praveen Manoharran, MD & CEO, Breezonica Logistics and Warehousing LLP said, “The major impact is going to be on the Jewellery and precious stones segment, as pharma and electronics are exempt from the US Tariffs. It was evident in the Modi’s pitch at Surat, which is the top exporter to USA. Since Jewellery and precious stones fall under luxury segment it is not going to be of major impact due to tariffs and recently Trump said Gold is exempt from the tariffs. Luxury segment buyers see the craftsmanship and the uniqueness in the product, unlike Pharma industry for quality and compliance, unlike electronics industry which looks for quality, compliance and cost effectiveness. The top 3 major export sectors from India to USA are Jewelry & precious stones, Pharma & Electronics. “Vocal for Local” pitch is going to impact the FMCG, QSR, Liquor, Dairy & Cosmetics segments wherein the USA companies have lot of market share in India. This is intended to up the pressure on the POTUS, Donald Trump. Vocal for Local pitch is going to pressure the American companies in the above segments. As you can see that Campa Cola, the Reliance brand is aggressively taking on Coca cola & Pepsi by exclusive tie ups in Domestic Airports & Metro stations across India which will impact the sales of American Beverages giants along with Vocal for Local Pitch. This pressure tactic might make the US companies to pacify the POTUS in the long run. The tariffs is going to have pressure on the Indian exports of agri commodity exports, handicrafts, leather goods which are going to less impact on the total exports from India but definitely on the livelihood …

Balagopal Balachandran, National Head – Air Freight, FEI Cargo said, “In the mercurial world of business, uncertainty is a constant companion and ready to strike when least expected.  As the world engage with unpredictable supply chains, rising tariffs and renewed trade tensions,  Indian manufacturers stand at a crucial crossroads.  In a world of shifting tariffs, trade wars, geopolitical conflicts and fragile supply chain, India’s Vocal for local and make in India initiatives are more than policy slogans, they are twin engines of resilience and growth. By strengthening domestic manufacturing , improving global competitiveness and uncovering newer markets, these strategies ensure India is not just a participant in the new trade order but a driver of it. The path ahead will be bold but not easy. India’s deep rooted entrepreneurial spirit offers a unique edge ; the ability to turn challenges into opportunity. The new era of manufacturing is not simply be about making in India it will be about making Indian goods world class, globally competitive and respected for their quality and durability. The shift means rethinking of sourcing, production models, distribution networks, newer markets and so on. Domestic suppliers will need rapid capacity expansion, investment in automation and adherence to international compliance to remain competitive. In the short term, challenges will include higher raw material costs, slower market adaptation and the challenge in replacing established global supply chains . However, in long term , Vocal for Local and Make in India can build economic resilience, reduce external vulnerability, and position India as both a reliable domestic base and a competitive global player. The message is clear the future of Indian manufacturing is not just about making in India, it …

C K Govil, President, ACAAI said, “The industry’s ability to cope with this shift will hinge on agility, collaboration and investment in capacity. With tariff wars and supply chain disruptions pushing costs up and creating uncertainty, Vocal for Local and Make in India offer both a challenge and an opportunity. Manufacturers and agents will need to re-engineer sourcing strategies, diversify supply chains and scale up domestic manufacturing capabilities to reduce import dependence. This transition will require government–industry partnerships to ensure policy stability, infrastructure upgrades, and skill development. While short-term pain is inevitable due to higher costs and adaptation time, in the medium to long term, the shift could strengthen India’s manufacturing ecosystem, boost exports, and create more resilient trade pathways that are less vulnerable to geopolitical turbulence.”

  Sunil Kohli, Managing Director, Rahat Cargo said, “Amid an uncertain global trade scenario coupled with tariff wars, the Indian industry needs to gear up to face the challenges by adopting several remedial measures and the ‘vocal for local’ mantra has been a paramount factor to overcome the odds since it encourages prioritising domestic products to boost local manufacturing and the economy. It would further lead to reduced imports in sectors like electronics and automobiles, supported by government incentives like Production-Linked Incentive schemes. The ‘Aatmnirbhar Bharat’ movement will promote small and medium enterprises apart from substituting the imported goods with local alternatives. The consumer goods market, especially in sectors like handicrafts, textiles and jewellery, has also seen a push to promote Indian brands over foreign ones. The ‘Vocal for Local’ movement, while promoting self-reliance, also needs to navigate potential trade-offs, such as balancing domestic production with global competitiveness and ensuring that local products are affordable and accessible to all consumers. The challenge for the government and local businesses will be to continue ensuring the growth of high-quality local alternatives that can compete globally.“