2, Jul 2025
Shree Cement Appoints Vishal Bhardwaj as Head of Corporate Social Responsibility

Shree Cement, one of India’s leading cement producers with a strong commitment to sustainable development and inclusive growth has announced the appointment of Vishal Bhardwaj as Head- Corporate Social Responsibility.

Mr. Bhardwaj brings nearly three decades of rich and diverse industry experience in conceptualising and executing impactful CSR strategies across India and other geographies, with deep expertise in the cement, pharmaceutical and chemical sectors. He joins Shree Cement from Indorama Corporation where he served as Group CSR Head based in Dubai, leading the company’s global CSR agenda. A passionate advocate for community-driven transformation, Mr. Bhardwaj is deeply committed to fostering sustainable change through inclusive development initiatives, long-term partnerships and building a smarter today, for a sustainable tomorrow.

In his new role at Shree Cement, Mr. Bhardwaj will spearhead the company’s CSR strategy, strengthen implementation frameworks and build strategic partnerships to scale social impact across communities — with a focus on quality and measurable outcomes.

Neeraj Akhoury, Managing Director, Shree Cement said on the appointment, “At Shree Cement, we view social responsibility as an essential pillar of our business philosophy. We are delighted to welcome Vishal Bhardwaj whose global perspective and grassroots understanding of CSR will help us scale our efforts meaningfully and sustainably. His leadership will be instrumental in aligning our social investments with national development priorities.”

Commenting on his new role at Shree Cement, Mr. Bhardwaj said, “I am honoured to join Shree Cement, a company with a strong legacy of nation-building and community engagement. I look forward to collaborating with teams across locations to design and implement innovative, inclusive and high-impact CSR programs that empower people and create lasting social value.”

Shree Cement has consistently demonstrated its commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility, positively impacting over 6.7 lakh individuals. Its CSR initiatives align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and span across healthcare, education, women empowerment, rural infrastructure development and environmental conservation.

Through the Shree Foundation Trust, the company works closely with local communities across numerous villages, with a strong focus on sustainable development and fostering self-reliance. Healthcare initiatives include mobile medical vans and health centres to improve access to essential services for underserved populations.

In the field of education, Shree Cement supports schools, undertakes infrastructure upgrades and provides merit-based scholarships to children in nearby communities.

The company also drives women empowerment through vocational training programs, offers financial assistance to Below Poverty Line families for the marriage of girls over the age of 18 and supports new born girls through fixed deposit schemes under the Sukanya program.

Additionally, through its national initiative ‘Project Naman’, launched in December 2021, Shree Cement provides free cement to the families of armed forces personnel martyred in the past 20 years, supporting the construction of homes on plots of up to 4,000 sq. ft. and honouring their sacrifice in a meaningful and lasting way.

Through such initiatives, Shree Cement continues to deepen its commitment to community welfare and inclusive development, embedding social responsibility at the core of its operations.

2, Jul 2025
NTT DATA Appoints Alok Bajpai as Managing Director, India, Global Data Centers

MUMBAI – July 2, 2025 – NTT DATA, a global leader in digital business and technology services, today announced the appointment of Alok Bajpai as Managing Director, India, for its Global Data Centers division. In this expanded leadership role, Bajpai will drive the company’s growth strategy in one of its most dynamic and rapidly evolving markets.

Previously serving as CFO of NTT Global Data Centers India, Bajpai played a pivotal role in advancing strategic initiatives and establishing a strong financial foundation for scalable growth. As Managing Director, he will now oversee business operations and lead market expansion efforts across the region.

“India is a fast-growing and important market in our overall global growth strategy, and Alok’s appointment ensures we will continue to deliver world-class infrastructure with agility and speed,” said Doug Adams, CEO and President, NTT Global Data Centers. “His strategic leadership will help guide our next phase of development in the region and support our commitment to sustainable innovation around the globe.”

“India’s data center market is at a pivotal moment, driven by the rising demand for scalable, secure, and high-performance infrastructure to power the nation’s digital evolution,” said Bajpai. “NTT Global Data Centers is already the leading data center provider in the region, and my goal is to ensure we not only maintain, but also strengthen, this leadership as the market evolves.  My vision is to help build a future-ready ecosystem that addresses today’s enterprise needs while contributing to India’s broader economic and technological progress.”

Bajpai brings over three decades of global leadership experience across diverse industries. With deep expertise in operational restructuring, financial strategy, and mergers and acquisitions, he has held senior executive roles at companies including AdaniConneX, CSS Corp, Intelligroup, and Infosys. He is a Chartered Accountant in India, a Certified Public Accountant in the U.S., and holds a graduate degree in management from Alliance Manchester Business School. He is also a four-time recipient of the CFO100 Roll of Honor and was named Most Influential CFO by CiMA.

Accelerating Data Center Growth in India

Under Bajpai’s leadership, NTT Global Data Centers is accelerating the expansion of its data center footprint across key Indian metros to meet surging demand for enterprise and AI-ready infrastructure. As one of the world’s fastest-growing digital economies, India presents a critical opportunity for NTT Global Data Centers to scale high-performance computing capabilities and deliver specialized support for AI workloads.

The company is pioneering advanced infrastructure solutions in the region, including next-generation cooling technologies designed specifically for AI applications. At its Navi Mumbai facility, NTT Global Data Centers deployed liquid immersion cooling (LIC) and direct contact liquid cooling (DLC), improving energy efficiency by nearly 30%. The hybrid-cooled facility now operates at a PUE of 1.27, marking a significant step forward in energy-efficient operations tailored for high-performance computing​. The company’s data centers in Mumbai and Bengaluru already support over 100 MW of operational renewable energy, reinforcing its commitment to reliable and sustainable infrastructure.

As the world’s third-largest data center provider, NTT Global Data Centers is backed by more than $10 billion in capital development to drive future expansion of its data center business in current and new markets.

2, Jul 2025
Best 5 Companies Revolutionizing Wealth Management in Rural India.

In rural India, money once meant cash hidden in trunks and loans from the local moneylender. But that’s changing. With smartphones in hand and growing digital awareness, people in villages and small towns are exploring smarter ways to save, invest, and secure their future.

Apps and digital platforms are introducing first-time users to mutual funds, insurance, digital gold, and microloans services that once felt distant. Financial planning, once seen as a metro-only affair, is gaining ground in Tier 2 and Tier 3 towns. For many, it’s no longer just about surviving, but building a future.

Behind this quiet revolution are emerging FinTechs helping Bharat take charge of its money offering not just products, but guidance, trust, and access.

Here are five companies redefining money management in rural India:

Roinet

Roinet is empowering rural entrepreneurs by turning local kirana stores into digital financial services hubs. Through its platform, Roinet enables access to full-suite financial services banking, insurance, investments, and credit services – in areas traditionally underserved by mainstream institutions. By offering assisted digital financial services, Roinet is enabling last-mile delivery of wealth management tools tailored to specific needs and improving the financial confidence of rural households.

Finhaat

Finhaat is making financial inclusion a reality for rural and semi-urban populations by offering need-based wealth and insurance solutions. Focused on Rural India and Tier 3 and Tier 4 cities, the company has created an assisted digital platform that in partnership with institutions offers curated designs personalized financial products (insurance and wealth) and end to end servicing that empowers its customers – women, safeguard- farmers, and enable low-income households to safeguard themselves against financial shocks and plan for health emergencies and future aspirations. Through partnerships with grassroots organizations and digital platforms, Finhaat is bridging the trust gap and bringing curated financial literacy and access right to the doorstep of rural India.

AssetPlus

AssetPlus is transforming the way mutual fund distributors (MFDs) operate in India by offering a zero-cost, mobile-first platform that simplifies client onboarding, portfolio management, and product access. Focused on empowering MFDs in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, the platform combines seamless tech, in-house research, and vernacular training modules to help advisors grow their business and expand financial inclusion. With over 13,000 partners and ₹80 crore in monthly SIPs, AssetPlus is not just digitizing distribution it’s enabling grassroots wealth creation across Bharat.

Wealthy

Wealthy is simplifying personal finance by empowering independent wealth managers with a free, tech-driven platform. Frustrated by limited advice and one-size-fits-all solutions, the founders built a system that offers product comparisons, research tools, and end-to-end support, helping advisors deliver tailored, transparent, and goal-based financial planning to clients across India.

ZFunds

ZFunds is a financial management platform that specializes in mutual funds, providing clients with research-backed insights to make informed decisions. By offering a comprehensive, user-friendly investment process, ZFunds helps rural investors choose the right funds and allocate assets strategically. With the guidance of expert analysts and a dedicated investment committee, ZFunds ensures that every investor, regardless of location, can make investments that are aligned with their financial goals and risk tolerance.

These companies are reshaping the financial landscape in rural India by offering personalized wealth management services that cater to the needs of underserved populations. With technology, research, and localized solutions, they are paving the way for greater financial inclusion in some of India’s most remote areas.

2, Jul 2025
Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India sells 4,29,147 units in June 2025

Mumbai, July 02, 2025: Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India today announced its sales numbers for the month of June 2025.

The company’s total sales for June’25 stood at 4,29,147 units. This includes domestic sales of 3,88,812 units and 40,335 units exports.

It is worth mentioning that HMSI’s YTD FY26 (April’25 – June’25) total sales stand at 13,75,120 units. This includes domestic sales of 12,28,961 units and 1,46,159 units exports.

HMSI’s Key Highlights of June 2025:

  • Road Safety: Expanding road safety awareness in India, HMSI promoted campaigns in 12 locations across India– Jamnagar (Gujarat), Satna (Madhya Pradesh), Kota (Rajasthan), Sangamner and Ratnagiri (Maharashtra), Kanyakumari (Tamil Nadu), Gokarna (Karnataka), Ambikapur (Chhattisgarh), Bhawanipatna (Odisha), Vijayawada (Andhra Pradesh), Midnapore (West Bengal) and Gurugram (Haryana).  Additionally, HMSI celebrated the 11th anniversary of its Traffic Training Park (TTP) in Bhubaneswar and 6th Anniversary of Traffic Training Park in Tiruchirappalli, advancing its efforts towards responsible road habits.

HMSI also hosted a Summer Camp at Delhi Traffic Training Park with interactive sessions and engagements like safe riding theory, road safety games and cycling practice, etc. fostering early awareness around responsible road behaviour.

  • CSR: HMSI marked Environment Week 2025 with a series of sustainability-focussed activities across its nationwide network, beginning 5th June (World Environment Day). As part of the week-long celebration, HMSI’s dealerships and service outlets across India actively engaged with customers and local communities with key activities including distribution of saplings to all customers visiting at dealership, awareness campaigns on the harmful impact of plastic pollution and tree plantation drives across multiple cities and towns.

Additionally, Honda India Foundation celebrated International Yoga Day at the Honda Samajik Vikas Kendra in Naurangpur, Gurgaon (Haryana), promoting health, wellness, and mindfulness among participants. Over 200 participants from nearby villages joined for guided yoga sessions that encouraged harmony between individual well-being and collective health.

  • Product: HMSI introduced the new 2025 XL750 Transalp at Rs. 10,99,990, ex-showroom Gurugram (Haryana). In a significant step towards electric mobility journey, HMSI inaugurated its first-ever EV Concept Store in India, located at Mantri Square Mall in Bengaluru. The company also announced a new BaaS Lite Plan for ACTIVA e: where customers can pay just Rs 678/month, making EV ownership more accessible than ever before.
  • Motorsports: The MotoGP was held at Aragon, Italy, and Netherlands in the month of June 2025. Moreover, showing remarkable determination and racing spirit, the young riders of Honda Racing India put on an impressive show in the first round of 2025 IDEMITSU Honda India Talent Cup CB300F in Chennai.

2, Jul 2025
Visa and Times Prime Announce Partnership to Bring Exclusive Benefits to Visa Signature Credit Cardholders

New Delhi, India, July 2, 2025 – Visa, a global leader in digital payments, and Times Prime, India’s leading premium lifestyle membership, announced a partnership that brings special benefits to Visa Signature credit cardholders. The collaboration will provide these cardholders with complimentary access to Times Prime membership for one year, with a host of premium benefits across entertainment, lifestyle, travel, and dining.Visa

Times Prime membership offers a carefully curated selection of premium subscriptions and exclusive offers from leading brands, ensuring a seamless and enriched lifestyle experience. Members enjoy complimentary access to top-tier services such as DishTv Watcho(Zee5/SunNXT + 12 OTTs), Swiggy, Spotify, Uber, MoneyControl, Lenskart, Apollo 24/7 and Starbucks, among others, unlocking unparalleled convenience and entertainment.

Harshita Singh, Business Head, Times Prime, said: “Times Prime is the ultimate lifestyle membership, bringing together exclusive benefits from the most sought-after brands, both in India and globally. Our collaboration with Visa Signature ensures that cardholders unlock immense value, elevating their lifestyle with seamless access to premium experiences across entertainment,shopping, dining, and more. This partnership reinforces our vision of delivering unparalleled convenience and luxury, making everyday moments extraordinary for our members.”

Ramakrishnan Gopalan, Head – Products & Solutions, India & South Asia, Visa, added: “Our partnership with Times Prime reflects Visa’s commitment to supporting the daily needs of our affluent cardholders. We understand that consumersseek benefitsin entertainment and lifestyle, and together, we are ensuring that Visa Signature credit cardholders get more out of life’s experiences with exclusive benefits that align with their preferences and needs. We are excited to deepen this relationship and further elevate the value we bring to our customers.”

With this partnership, Visa and Times Prime reaffirm their shared commitment to providing unparalleled lifestyle experiences. By offering complimentary Times Prime membership to Visa Signature credit cardholders, this collaboration continues to enhance the everyday lives of premium customers across India.

1, Jul 2025
Paramjit Chadha is the new Managing Director of ZF Commercial Vehicle Control Systems India Ltd

Chennai, India , July 01, 2025 : ZF Commercial Vehicle Control Systems India Limited  announced the joining of Paramjit Singh Chadha as its new Managing Director.

Paramjit brings nearly 40 years of extensive experience in the automotive industry, having worked with various leading companies. As a seasoned automobile engineer with a lifelong passion for cars, he started his career with Maruti Suzuki, a leading OEM. His career spans across significant roles in the auto component sector, including positions at Kalyani Brakes, Bosch Chassis Systems, Continental Brakes, and Knorr-Bremse. Additionally, Paramjit has led projects focused on ESG, manufacturing excellence, and digitalization within the ADM Group. His expertise is particularly strong in safety-critical components, such as brake systems for various vehicle segments.

Paramjit has held several leadership roles including being a Regional Head, SBU Head, Plant Head and ultimately the role of a Managing Director and President(O).

Paramjit’s impressive track record includes successfully leading three greenfield projects and achieving exponential growth objectives. He has also contributed to industry development through his involvement with ACMA Centre for Excellence and the Indian Value Engineering Society (INVEST).

Paramjit is known for his unique blend of patience and a results-driven approach, inspiring his teams to take ownership and strive for success.

Prof. Dr. Peter Laier, Member of the Board, Board of Management ZF Group commented “P Kaniappan’s leadership, strategic vision, and commitment have been instrumental in establishing ZF’s strong foundation and continued success in the Indian market. I am delighted to now welcome Paramjit to the ZF Group and I am confident that his rich experience, knowledge and proficiency will prove to be an invaluable asset to the company”.

Akash Passey, President, ZF Group India, noted “We are very happy to welcome Paramjit Chadha as the Managing Director of ZF CVCS India Ltd. His experience and expertise in the regional automotive ecosystem will lend positively to the growth of the CV business in the region and will bring in an exciting new chapter for the ZF Group. I also extend my heartfelt appreciation to P Kaniappan, whose remarkable legacy and unwavering dedication have laid a strong foundation for our presence in India. Thank you for your outstanding service.”

1, Jul 2025
Practus Recognized Among India’s Best Workplaces™ in Professional Services 2025
Mumbai, 1st July, 2025 – Practus, a leading business consulting firm, has been recognized among India’s Best Workplaces™ in Professional Services 2025 by Great Place To Work® India. This recognition reflects  Practus’ unwavering commitment to building a High-Trust, High-Performance™ culture that empowers its people and drives meaningful business outcomes.
This marks the second time that Practus has earned this prestigious workplace recognition, and the fourth consecutive Great Place to Work® certification, further solidifying its reputation as a people-first organization rooted in innovation, integrity, and impact.
The recognition reflects the company’s strategic focus on people development, and fostering a workplace where talent thrives. Practus has consistently prioritized creating an inclusive environment where individuals are encouraged to take ownership, grow professionally, and deliver meaningful outcomes for clients across industries.
“At Practus, we believe excellence thrives where trust, ownership, and purpose intersect,” said Deepak Narayanan, Founder & CEO of Practus. “This recognition is a reflection of the culture we’ve nurtured — one where our people feel empowered to grow, contribute, and drive real outcomes for clients. I’m incredibly proud of our team and what we’ve built together.”
Aditi Nair, Chief People Officer of Practus, added, “Being recognized among India’s Best Workplaces™ in Professional Services once again is an honour – and a responsibility. It reaffirms our commitment to creating an environment where everyone feels valued, heard and inspired to grow. Our focus on continuous learning and aligned vision keeps us moving forward.”
As Practus continues to expand its global footprint in business transformation and performance improvement services, this milestone underscores its commitment to building a culture that scales with purpose.
1, Jul 2025
LAPP India Strengthens Cable Gland Product Offering with SKINTOP® Range for Varied Industrial Applications

India, 1 July, 2025: LAPP India, a leading provider of cable and connectivity solutions, is advancing industrial cable management with SKINTOP®, a range of cable glands designed to meet diverse application needs across both critical and general industrial environments. Polyamide Glands are available in two complementary product lines: SKINTOP® ST /STR and SKINTOP® SMART, engineered to meet evolving market demands for safety, reliability, and ease of installation. Whether for heavy-duty or general-purpose use, SKINTOP® delivers high-performance and reliability.

LAPP ensures that through the SKINTOP® range their customers receive the right-fit solution, customised to specific application demands, environmental factors, and certification needs.

Tailored for High-Performance Applications and Compliance

The SKINTOP® portfolio is designed to support a wide spectrum of use cases with unique distinctive features that cater to different industrial requirements. Customers may select the most appropriate solution based on usage intensity, environment, and technical compliance.

  • SKINTOP® ST and STR: Designed for performance-intensive and critical industrial settings, this globally certified cable gland is suited for cleanrooms, energy networks, automation systems, Food & Beverage, Pharma, Oil & Gas, Cleaning systems and data centres. These are high-quality, metric-threaded & PG threaded glands made from durable polyamide. They support a wide clamping range from M12–M63 and PG 7–48, accommodating a broad variety of cable diameters used in industrial installations. With ingress protection ratings of IP68 (up to 5 bar/30 minutes) and IP69 (withstand high-pressure, high-temperature water jets), flame resistance up to 650°C, and certifications including CE, UL, DNV, VDE, and UKCA, it is ideal for installations where operational continuity and international compliance are indispensable, thus making the equipment suitable for exports. Its dual sealing system and UV, ozone, and chemical resistance make it ideal for hygienic and outdoor settings.
  • SKINTOP® SMART: Manufactured in India at LAPP’s state-of-the-art facility in Dharuhera, the polyamide cable gland variant supports general-purpose industrial applications such as control panels, junction & array boxes, limit switches, parking systems, and surveillance setups. It supports clamping sizes from M12–M32 and PG 7–29, making it ideal for standard and compact installations. It offers robust ingress protection up to IP68 and carries UR (UL Recognized) certification, aligning with the needs of standard installations to cater local demands. The SMART series is being offered with the smart compact design, making them quick and easy to assemble. Each gland features a precision-engineered construction comprising sealing rings, gaskets, and locking components that ensure robust cable fixation and environmental sealing. The SMART Series enables faster availability without compromising on essential functionality.

“Every industrial application has a unique requirement especially when it comes to cables and connections. At LAPP, we believe that every cable requires the right gland, they are mutually reinforcing for effective industrial solutions,” said Sumit Mitra, Managing Director, LAPP India. “With decades of expertise in industrial connectivity, LAPP offers a comprehensive range of cable glands designed to meet diverse application needs across sectors. The SKINTOP® ST /STR variants are engineered for demanding environments that require global-standard certifications and long-term performance, while the SMART series is crafted for reliable, high-quality installation in mainstream applications. Backed by proven durability and precision design, our gland portfolio is a strong reflection of LAPP’s commitment to delivering complete, dependable solutions for every industrial requirement.”

SKINTOP® cable glands are engineered to address key industrial challenges, offering:

  • Hermetic Sealing for Maximum Protection: SKINTOP® ensures ingress protection (IP68 and IP69), preventing dust, water, and contaminants from compromising electrical connections. This makes it ideal for harsh environments, including food processing, pharmaceuticals, and outdoor applications
  • Optimized Strain Relief: Provides vibration resistance and secures cables in place to extend lifespan and prevent mechanical failures
  • Effortless Installation: The intuitive design enables quick and secure installation with a simple turn of the nut, eliminating the need for additional tools and reducing installation time across industries
  • Superior Material Options: Available in plastic, brass, and stainless steel, catering to diverse industrial requirements automation, manufacturing, and chemical processing
  • Temperature & Chemical Resistance: Built to withstand extreme temperatures, UV exposure, ozone, hot water and aggressive chemicals, SKINTOP® is well-suited for industries such as oil & gas, food & beverage, pharmaceuticals, and marine applications

From machine tools and robotics to transportation and renewable energy, SKINTOP® continues to support industries in achieving safer and more efficient operations through simplified cable entry solutions.

1, Jul 2025
AIFI Launches ‘GenNext Entrepreneurs Forum’ to Forge the Future of Indian Forging Industry

Mumbai, 1 July: In a landmark initiative set to redefine the future of India’s forging sector, the Association of Indian Forging Industry (AIFI) has announced the launch of the GenNext Entrepreneurs Forum, a first-of-its-kind platform in India aimed at nurturing emerging leaders in the forging industry. The Forum is a visionary step to empower the new generation of business leaders as they step into a globalised industrial landscape marked by innovation, rapid product evolution, and sustainability imperatives.With India’s economy accelerating at an average growth rate of 7.2% over the past three fiscal years, and industries swiftly embracing disruptive technologies such as AI, IoT, robotics, and fintech, the forging sector stands at the threshold of a significant transformation. The GenNext Entrepreneurs Forum is AIFI’s proactive response to this new industrial paradigm, recognising the enthusiasm, adaptability, and global outlook of the next generation in family-owned forging businesses.

Speaking on this transformative initiative, Mr. Yash Munot, President, Association of Indian Forging Industry (AIFI), said, “The GenNext Entrepreneurs Forum is not just a platform, it’s a movement to shape the future of the Indian forging industry. Our vision is to position Indian forging as a global benchmark for innovation, quality, and sustainability. Through this forum, we aim to harness the creativity, energy, and ambition of the next generation of entrepreneurs. We are committed to offering them strategic insights, access to industry’s best practices, leadership training through academia-industry partnerships, and global exposure. This initiative will play a critical role in addressing succession challenges, updating traditional business models and building a collaborative ecosystem that ensures the industry’s sustained growth and global competitiveness. Our mission remains focused on promoting excellence in technology, operations and leadership anchored firmly in sustainable and inclusive development.”

The Forum seeks to provide a dedicated platform for young forging entrepreneurs to engage in peer-to-peer knowledge exchange, participate in leadership development programmes and stay aligned with emerging global trends and technologies. Its activities include strategic sessions, academic collaborations, policy discussions, and exposure visits to innovation hubs. The initiative marked its first milestone with a launch event in Hyderabad, which included a visit to the CII-Godrej Green Business Centre, India’s first LEED Platinum-certified green building and an engaging leadership workshop titled “Re-inventing Family-Owned Businesses and Shifting Orbits of Growth”, conducted by renowned innovation strategist Dr. Rahul More.

Mr. Ankit Mehta, Director, KLM Forge Pvt. Ltd., Pune, said“In an evolving industrial landscape, collaboration and innovation are more critical than ever. AIFI GenNext Entrepreneurs Forum invites young forgers like me to actively engage with peers, exchange ideas on modern forging practices and explore the latest technologies shaping our industry”

Future activities under the Forum will include interactions with young leaders from across industries, leadership programmes in collaboration with top academic institutions, overseas study missions, and capacity-building initiatives on cutting-edge topics such as artificial intelligence, robotics, machine learning, cybersecurity and ESG frameworks. By creating a culture of continuous learning and forward-thinking, the AIFI GenNext Entrepreneurs Forum is set to become a defining platform for shaping the future of the forging industry in India.

Mr. Sivarjun Rachamallu, GM,  Rachamallu Forgings Pvt. Ltd., Hyderabad, said, “I am honoured to be part of the GenNext Entrepreneurs Forum, a visionary initiative by the Association of Indian Forging Industry (AIFI). GenNext serves as a platform for the next generation of forging professionals, where fresh perspectives meet seasoned expertise. The forum aims to drive positive transformation in the forging sector by advancing technology, promoting sustainability, and contributing to the development of progressive industry policies at the governmental level.”

This initiative aligns seamlessly with AIFI’s broader vision to position the Indian forging industry as a global leader in manufacturing excellence, innovation, and sustainability. Through strategic advocacy, skill development, and a strong focus on collaborative growth, AIFI remains committed to empowering the sector and driving its transformation on the world stage.

30, Jun 2025
Reliance Defence Partners with US Firm for INR 20,000 Cr Defence MRO Opportunity

Mumbai, 30 June 2025: Reliance Infrastructure Limited promoted, Reliance Defence Limited (Reliance Defence), today announced strategic agreement with Coastal Mechanics Inc. (CMI), a leading U.S. Department of Defense authorised contractor to jointly address India’s INR 20,000 crore defence maintenance, repair, overhaul (MRO) and upgrade market opportunity.

Reliance Defence and Coastal Mechanics will focus on providing end-to-end Maintenance, Repair, Overhaul (MRO), upgrade, and lifecycle support solutions for the Indian Armed Forces, targeting a wide range of critical platforms such as 100+ Jaguar fighter aircrafts, 100+ MiG-29 fighter aircrafts, the fleet of Apache attack helicopters, L-70 air defence guns, and other legacy systems that require long-term sustainment and modernisation. The segment represents a high-value, long-duration opportunity driven by the Indian military’s strategic shift from asset replacement to lifecycle extension and performance-based logistics.

Reliance Defence and Coastal Mechanics will also set up Joint Venture (JV) at MIHAN in Maharashtra, to serve both the Indian market and export markets. This JV will provide complete Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) and upgrade services for various air and land defence platforms used by the armed forces.

Coastal Mechanics supplies critical components to the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Army. Its partnership with Reliance Defence brings world-class manufacturing capabilities and global certifications into India’s aerospace ecosystem.

Reliance Defence aims to become one of India’s top three defence exporters. The partnership represents a significant step in advancing the Government of India’s ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Make in India’ initiatives, aimed at indigenising defence production and reducing reliance on imports.