Sunil Kohli, MD, Rahat Cargo said, “Public–private collaboration is combining the public sector’s regulatory authority with the private sector’s finances, innovation and operational expertise which may lead to effective partnerships yielding the fruitful outcomes such as developing the infrastructures to meet the commercial needs to reduce bottlenecks with lower costs based on the inputs from logistics providers, freight forwarders, regulatory authorities and the carriers.”  

Vikram Kumar, VP, ACAAI said, “Reducing trade friction and enhancing logistics efficiency demand robust public–private collaboration focused on digital, infrastructural, and policy alignment. Government agencies and industry players must jointly advance digital integration through initiatives like the National Logistics Portal (NLP), Paperless Customs, and single-window clearance systems to streamline cargo movement. Public investment should prioritise multimodal and air cargo transshipment hubs at key airports such as Delhi, Mumbai, and upcoming locations like Hyderabad and Bengaluru— allowing India to serve as a regional trade gateway. Private players can contribute expertise in automation, cold-chain development, and digital freight management to optimise these hubs. Regular policy–industry dialogues are essential to harmonise customs procedures, international regulations, taxation and sustainability goals. Coupled with skill development programs and performance-linked incentives, such coordinated action can transform India’s logistics ecosystem into a digitally connected, efficient, and globally competitive transshipment hub.”

C K Govil, CMD, Activair Airfreight India said, “Reducing trade friction and enhancing logistics efficiency demand a strong, structured public–private collaboration built on trust, transparency, and shared goals. Governments must work closely with industry stakeholders to streamline customs procedures, harmonise regulatory frameworks, and promote paperless trade through digital integration. Public agencies can support infrastructure modernisation—developing multimodal logistics parks, air cargo hubs, and efficient last-mile connectivity—while private players contribute through technology, innovation, and operational expertise. Joint initiatives in data sharing, single-window clearance systems, and predictive analytics can significantly cut delays and costs. Equally important is creating policy forums and advisory councils where industry associations like ACAAI can represent the voice of the trade community, ensuring policies are practical and forward-looking. A well-coordinated public–private partnership can thus transform the logistics ecosystem into one that is more transparent, efficient, and resilient, enabling seamless global trade despite rising barriers.”      

Amit Maheshwari, Founder and CEO, Softlink Global said, “Public–private collaboration should go beyond policy dialogue — it must focus on creating shared digital infrastructure for customs, ports, and airports; real-time data exchange frameworks between trade systems and government platforms; and co-development of standards for security filings, and sustainability reporting. When regulators and industry co-create technology and trust, trade becomes not just connected — but truly unconstrained.”    

EMBALL’ISO India Packaging was honoured with the Reverse Logistics Champion for Sustainability award at the recently concluded India Cargo Awards in New Delhi. The recognition highlights the company’s commitment to promoting circular economy practices and advancing sustainable cold chain logistics through innovative, reusable packaging solutions.

Sanjiv Edward, CEO – Cargo and Logistics, GMR Airports said, “The vision of creating the Cargo City at Delhi International Airport emanates from a larger vision of making Delhi a global Airport hub, with the passenger and cargo segments complementing each other. This thought is also aligned with the overarching vision of the Government of India to create several Airport Hubs in the country. When we talk of creating a Cargo Hub, it needs supporting infrastructure of Tier 1 i.e. Cargo Terminals and Tier 2 i.e. 3PL players with a possible extension to Tier 3 which would be Special Economic Zones. Delhi Airport has already taken steps to build Tier 1 capacity from 0.3 MMT to 1.8 MMT Per Annum and Tier 2 capacity from zero to 0.5 Mn sq. ft. and now we are working towards developing an additional combined capacity of over 1.5 Mn sq. ft. over Tier 2 and proposed Tier 3 facilities. This integrated tier 1, 2 and 3 will then provide a comprehensive infrastructure solution for the cargo arriving at Delhi Airport and will help Delhi establish itself as a global aviation hub. With this thought we are building the Cargo City.  

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released global air cargo markets data for September 2025, showing total demand, measured in cargo tonne-kilometers (CTK), rose by 2.9 per cent compared to September 2024 levels (over 3.2 per cent for international operations). Capacity, measured in available cargo tonne-kilometers (ACTK), increased by 3.0 per cent compared to September 2024 (+4.4 per cent for international operations). “Air cargo demand grew 2.9 per cent year-on-year in September, marking the seventh consecutive month of overall growth. Buried in that growth is a significant alteration of trade patterns as US tariff policies, including the ending of de minimis exemptions, kick in. On one side of the equation, a decline in North America-Asia demand has set in over the last five months. But this has been more than compensated for with strong growth within Asia and on routes linking Asia to Europe, Africa and the Middle East. While many had feared an unwinding of global trade, we are instead seeing air cargo adapting successfully to serve shifting market demands,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed officials to fast-track the development of an airport, railway station, and multimodal logistics park in the Bundelkhand Industrial Development Authority (BIDA) area, signalling a major infrastructure boost for the region. He urged swift action to connect it with the Bundelkhand Expressway, Agra–Gwalior Greenfield Expressway, and the Delhi–Chennai railway line, said reports. The CM set tight deadlines for land acquisition, staffing, and project planning, stressing that speed, transparency, and investor confidence will be key to transforming Bundelkhand from backwardness to progress.

Ahead of the 49th ACAAI Convention, C K Govil, CMD of Activair Airfreight India and Immediate Past President of ACAAI, emphasises that despite unprecedented digital connectivity, trade constraints continue to rise due to a complex mix of geopolitical, economic, and regulatory factors. Nations are increasingly prioritising self-reliance, economic security, and supply chain sovereignty, often leading to protectionist measures such as tariffs, export controls, and localisation mandates. Geopolitical tensions, shifting alliances, and conflicts further disrupt the free flow of goods and capital. At the same time, new challenges—like cybersecurity concerns, environmental regulations, and data sovereignty laws—add non-tariff barriers to trade. Digital connectivity has indeed accelerated information exchange and logistics efficiency, but it has also exposed vulnerabilities, prompting governments to tighten controls. In essence, while technology connects markets, policy and political considerations are redefining the terms of engagement. Balancing openness with security has become the defining dilemma of modern trade, making adaptability and collaboration the key to navigating this constrained yet connected global environment.”

Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) has been honoured with the Best Cargo Airport – Infrastructure award at the prestigious India Cargo Awards 2025. The recognition underscores DIAL’s commitment to building world-class cargo infrastructure and enhancing operational efficiency to support India’s growing air freight sector. With continuous investments in capacity expansion, digital integration and sustainable facilities, Delhi Airport has emerged as a key hub connecting global trade lanes and strengthening India’s position as a leading logistics and cargo destination.