​​ ​Industry Leaders Discuss the Future of India’s Private Credit Market at IVCA Private Credit Summit 2026

Mumbai, July 9: At Indian Venture and Alternate Capital Association  Private Credit Summit 2026, a panel discussion titled “Private Credit 2035: Scaling the Next Trillion in India’s Financing Stack” featured industry experts discussing how private credit can evolve into a core pillar of India’s financing architecture over the next decade.

Rahul Shah, Partner, EvolutionX Debt Capital, and Sandeep Adukia, Senior Managing Partner, Ascertis Credit, joined the panel, along with Karthik Athreya, Managing Director, Sundaram Alternates; Piyush Gupta, CEO, Investec Alternatives; and Vineet Sukumar, Founder and Managing Director, Vivriti Group. The panel discussion was moderated by Rajeev Vidhani, Partner, Khaitan & Co.

The session focused on the growth trajectory of India’s private credit market over the next 10 years, as well as the evolution of alternative investment funds , private credit funds, co-lending models, securitisation platforms, and technology-enabled credit markets. Panellists also examined how regulatory frameworks, underwriting standards, and governance practices could play a part in supporting sustainable growth in this segment. Their perspectives touched upon India’s potential to emerge as a leading destination for domestic and global private credit capital by 2035.

“Private credit in India has evolved from an alternative financing solution into an integral part of the country’s capital ecosystem. Today, banks, NBFCs and private credit funds coexist in an increasingly mature market, supported by stronger regulation and broader investor participation. As this momentum continues, private credit is set to play a far more significant role in financing India’s next phase of growth,” said Karthik Athreya, Managing Director, Sundaram Alternates.

He highlighted how India’s private credit ecosystem is steadily evolving into a more mature and integral component of the country’s financing landscape.

“Private credit is playing an increasingly important role in supporting new-age and technology-led businesses whose financing needs are often not addressed through traditional lending channels. For these businesses, underwriting has to go beyond conventional collateral and focus on the long-term strength of the business, its ability to attract future equity capital, and its resilience across market cycles. As India’s innovation economy grows, private credit will continue to complement equity capital by providing flexible financing solutions,” said Rahul Shah, Partner, EvolutionX Debt Capital.

Drawing attention to the role of private credit in addressing the evolving financing needs of Indian businesses, he highlighted the structural trends shaping its next phase of growth.

“India has a deep and growing base of mid-market businesses that require flexible financing solutions to support their next phase of growth. As the private credit market expands, disciplined underwriting, strong cash-flow assessment and continuous portfolio monitoring will remain critical to protecting investor capital. We are also seeing banks increasingly viewing private credit as a complementary source of capital, enabling fast growing businesses to access financing structures that go beyond conventional lending,” said Sandeep Adukia, Senior Managing Partner, Ascertis Credit.

He emphasised the importance of strong underwriting, innovative financing, and a supportive regulatory environment in strengthening investor confidence in India’s private credit market.

IVCA Private Credit Summit 2026, themed “Building India’s Growth Engine through Private Credit”, convened policymakers, regulators, institutional investors, fund managers, legal experts, and industry leaders to deliberate on the developments that could strengthen the private credit ecosystem and support India’s long-term economic growth.

The IVCA Private Credit Summit is an industry platform that brings together leading domestic and global investors, private credit funds, banks, NBFCs, Asset Management Companies , Asset Reconstruction Companies , family offices, wealth managers, institutional investors, policymakers, regulators and industry practitioners to deliberate on the evolving landscape of private credit in India. The 2026 edition of the Summit is supported by 360 ONE as the Platinum Partner; Avendus, Certus Capital, EAAA Alternatives, NEO Alternative Asset Managers and Vivriti AMC as Gold Partners; and Khaitan & Co. and Sundaram Alternates as Strategic Partners. Through thought-provoking discussions and cross-sector collaboration, the Summit aims to strengthen India’s alternative credit ecosystem, encourage innovation in financing solutions and support the country’s long-term capital formation. 

India’s Food Market to Hit USD 150 Billion by FY31

July 9: India’s food services industry is heading towards a major transformation, with the market expected to touch USD 150 billion by FY31, according to a latest report. The growth will be driven by changing lifestyles, increasing urban demand, higher spending on dining experiences, and the rapid expansion of online food platforms.

The report highlights that digital adoption is reshaping the way Indians order and experience food. The online segment of the industry is expected to grow steadily, with its share projected to reach 18 per cent by FY31, supported by food delivery apps, digital payments, and technology-based services.

From restaurants and cloud kitchens to food entrepreneurs and delivery networks, the sector is creating new opportunities across the country. Rising consumer expectations and innovation in food services are further helping businesses adapt to a fast-changing market.

With strong consumer demand and growing digital integration, India’s food services sector is set to play an important role in the country’s economic growth story while creating new avenues for investment and employment.

Anytime Fitness Strengthens Delhi Presence with New Club in Vipin Garden

Delhi, July 09: Strengthening its growth momentum in North India, Anytime Fitness, India’s fastest-growing fitness franchise and part of the world’s largest gym chain, has unveiled its newest club in Vipin Garden, Delhi. The launch underscores the brand’s continued commitment to making premium, world-class fitness more accessible across fast-growing urban communities. The newly launched club is owned and operated by Ms. Harpreet Kaur Khanna. Her entry into the fitness entrepreneurship space reflects the growing demand for structured, premium fitness solutions in cities like Delhi and the increasing awareness around preventive health and active lifestyles.

The Anytime Fitness Vipin Garden club features state-of-the-art cardio and strength equipment, dedicated functional training zones, certified personal trainers, and Anytime Fitness’ signature 24/7 access, offering unmatched convenience and flexibility. Members will also benefit from access to the brand’s global network of clubs and its holistic approach to fitness, which combines personalized coaching, community engagement, and safe workout environments. This launch also features the new design theme, built to deliver a more immersive, modern, and member-first fitness experience.

Speaking on the expansion, Mr. Vikas Jain, Managing Director, Anytime Fitness India, said: “We are delighted to partner with entrepreneur like Ms. Harpreet Kaur Khanna, whose commitment to promoting healthier lifestyles reflects the growing entrepreneurial interest in India’s fitness sector. Her vision and passion for community wellness align closely with Anytime Fitness’ mission of making quality fitness accessible to more people. The launch of our new club in Vipin Garden, Delhi marks another important milestone in our expansion journey across North India. Delhi continues to be a key growth market for us, driven by increasing health awareness, evolving fitness aspirations, and a strong demand for premium wellness experiences. Through this new club, we aim to empower individuals with a world-class fitness environment, expert guidance, and the flexibility they need to achieve their health goals.”

Anytime Fitness has built a strong presence across India through its rapidly expanding network, serving a growing community of fitness enthusiasts. Delhi remains a strategic focus market for the brand, driven by rising health awareness, rapid urbanisation, and increasing demand for premium fitness experiences.

Since entering India in 2013, Anytime Fitness has grown to 180+ clubs nationwide, redefining fitness with its accessibility, inclusivity, and innovation. Beyond gyms, the brand has fostered community-driven initiatives like FitCraft and Be Fit Fest, bringing together members, trainers, and fitness enthusiasts to celebrate active living.

The new launch aligns with Anytime Fitness India’s vision to strengthen its presence in high-growth markets and contribute to building a healthier, fitter India.

India’s Growth Story Remains Strong, Economy Likely to Expand 6.6 pc in FY27

July 9: India is expected to continue its position as one of the fastest-growing major economies in the world, with the country’s GDP projected to grow by 6.6 per cent in the financial year 2026-27, according to a latest report.

The positive outlook reflects the strength of India’s domestic economy, supported by rising consumer demand, infrastructure development, policy reforms, and growth across key sectors. The country’s expanding digital economy, manufacturing push, and increasing investment opportunities are also contributing to its economic momentum.

The report highlights that India’s steady growth trajectory will further strengthen its role in the global economy. Continued focus on innovation, job creation, investment, and sustainable development will be important in maintaining this momentum.

With strong economic fundamentals and ongoing reforms, India is set to remain a key driver of global growth in the coming years.

Flipkart Sees 50 percentage Growth in Food & Nutrition as Gen Z and Bharat Redefine Food Commerce

Gen Z now accounts for 60 percentage growth y-o-y, with categories like Protein Oats, High Protein Peanut Butter, Gourmet Chocolates, and Protein Muesli topping the demand chart. Korean-flavoured snacks such as Cuppa Noodles and chips are emerging as fast-growing categories, led by demand from urban centers like Bengaluru and New Delhi. Men are driving demand for nuts and dry fruits, chocolates, and jams and spreads, while women are increasingly adding value-added tea, coffee, and edible seeds to their shopping baskets, fueling demand for functional nutrition, premium snacking, and everyday health upgrades. 

Food Fest 3.0: A celebration of India’s food journey

Bringing these trends to life, the event brought together over 50 leading food and beverage brands, over 1000 creators and influencers, along with renowned personalities including Farah Khan, Chef Kunal Kapur, Chef Ranveer Brar, Sunil Grover, Gaurav Kapoor, and Aaditya Kulshreshth and Vanshika Khurana. The two-day festival featured more than 10  product launches, immersive brand experiences, and curated zones including Chocoland, Breakfast Zone, Gourmet, Beverages, and Kitchen Staples. Brands including Happilo, Anveshan, Farmley, Ferrero Rocher, Right Shift from ITC, Yogabar, Wonderland, Kelloggs Luvit, Alpino, Sugarfree D’lite unveiled new products, while leading FMCG companies such as Mondelez, Tata Consumer Products, Dabur, Fortune and MyFitness showcased innovations alongside emerging D2C brands.