Category: Business

Chulalongkorn University has launched the “Siam Quantum Square” with the aim of driving Thailand towards becoming a regional hub for quantum technology. The initiative includes the signing of MOUs with key partners to help transition the country from a technology user to a technology owner, promote an innovation-based economy, strengthen cybersecurity, and enhance national competitiveness. Most recently, the university has joined forces with leading business and academic partners—IBM, the Graduate School, and QTFT—to develop short courses and executive programs aimed at preparing the business sector to adapt to the quantum era.

Prof. Dr. Wilert Puriwat, President of Chulalongkorn University, presided over the launching of “Siam Quantum Square” onMonday, January 26, 2026, on the G floor of Samyan Mitrtown. He stated that “in 2026, Chulalongkorn University has created a new milestone with the launch of Siam Quantum Square, which is considered the largest quantum center in Thailand. “It is intended to serve as a hub for quantum data and development, supported through collaboration with and backing from the public sector, private sector, and leading international universities. This project aims to cultivate scientific ‘innovators’ in Thailand, particularly by empowering scientists and physicists from the Faculty of Science at Chulalongkorn University to develop new innovations to drive the country forward. The center’s operations go beyond traditional textbook instruction, focusing instead on cutting-edge scientific advancements that can be practically applied in real-world contexts.”

“Siam Quantum Square focuses on advancing quantum technology across multiple areas to enhance the quality of life for the public. These include Quantum Machine Learning, Quantum Computing, and Quantum Sensing in its various forms. These scientific developments will be transformed into tangible innovations and practical outputs to maximize societal benefits and improve overall quality of life.”

Prof. Dr. Pranut Potiyaraj, Dean of the Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, opined that“Quantum technology involves controlling the properties and states of particles according to the principles of quantum mechanics in order to develop innovations that benefit the economy, society, and emerging technologies. Today, quantum principles already play a significant role and serve as the foundation of technologies that surround us, such as smartphones, solar cells, and MRI machines used in medicine. Therefore, quantum technology is not as distant from everyday life as many people may think. Moreover, quantum computers represent an advanced technology that applies quantum principles at the highest level to solve complex problems that current computers cannot handle. They also have the potential to break existing digital encryption systems. As a result, quantum computing is becoming a key force in transforming the digital industry and the global economic system.” 

Siam Quantum Square will operate under four core missions: 1) To develop and cultivate personnel in quantum technology; 2) To conduct world-class strategic research, with a strong emphasis on building foundational knowledge that will, in the long term, enable Thailand to develop and truly own its technologies—rather than merely being a user of technology; 3) To foster collaboration among various sectors, including government, private industry, and international networks, in order to promote knowledge exchange and reduce risks from technological restrictions; 4) To communicate knowledge about quantum technology to the general public, ensuring broader understanding and accessibility. The center’s activities receive partial funding from the Reinventing University initiative under the supervision of the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation (MHESI). 

“We will focus on world-class research excellence alongside the application of quantum technology to solve problems in various fields, such as drug development, advanced materials, energy, medicine, finance, and transportation. Examples of quantum technology development already undertaken by Siam Quantum Square include research in Quantum Computing, as well as Quantum Artificial Intelligence (Quantum AI), which integrates quantum computing with artificial intelligence. The center also has plans to expand into other areas, including Quantum Cryptography research to strengthen cybersecurity and the research and development of quantum encryption systems capable of preventing data interception. In addition, we aim to advance Quantum Materials and Devices, developing new materials that can be applied to quantum computers and quantum sensors,” said Prof. Dr. Pranut. 

“Siam Quantum Square also works closely with the Quantum Technology Foundation (Thailand) [QTFT], a Thai quantum startup, on research in Advanced Optimization, with plans to expand into Quantum Optimization research in the future. This will help enhance the efficiency of management systems across various business sectors. In addition, the center has received cooperation from other industry partners, including projects on Portfolio Optimization with Quantum Computers in collaboration with Western Digital Corporation (Thailand). In the near future, there are also plans to secure partnerships with Denso and Japan’s National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST). 

Siam Quantum Square is also committed to building collaborative networks at every level—from academic institutions and domestic industries to global partners. Most recently, it has prepared to sign memoranda of understanding with IBM Thailand, Japan’s National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), and Qunova Computing of South Korea. There are also plans to expand partnerships with several leading private-sector organizations, including Western Digital Corporation (Thailand) and Siam Commercial Bank (SCB), to apply quantum technology in addressing business challenges, data security, medical advancements, and broader societal issues. 

In addition, Siam Quantum Square has developed international master’s and doctoral programs specifically focused on quantum technology. These programs emphasize both theoretical and practical training to prepare students for the emerging global quantum job market. The center is also planning discussions on student and staff exchange programs with the Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology (KAIST) in South Korea and the National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS) in Japan. Furthermore, it is ready to collaborate with IBM, the Graduate School, and QTFT to develop short courses and executive programs aimed at preparing Thailand’s business sector for the transition into the quantum era. 

How Technical Textiles Are Reshaping India’s Future: Innovation, Policy, and a $350 Billion Vision

Pic Credit: Pexel

Walk into a modern hospital, step inside an electric vehicle, or drive along a newly built highway—chances are, you are surrounded by materials you never notice but cannot live without. These are technical textiles: high-performance fabrics engineered not for how they look, but for what they do.

Once considered a niche segment, technical textiles have moved to the center of global industrial innovation. Designed for strength, safety, durability, and specialized functionality, they are now essential across sectors like healthcare, mobility, infrastructure, and defense. As industries evolve, so does the demand for smarter materials—and this is where technical textiles, supported by advanced specialty chemicals, are making a lasting impact.

Globally, the sector is on a strong growth trajectory, expected to cross USD 324 billion by the end of the decade. But what makes this story particularly compelling is India’s rapid emergence as a serious contender in this space.

Understanding Technical Textiles: Beyond Fabric

At its core, technical textiles are problem-solving materials. Unlike traditional textiles that focus on comfort or fashion, these fabrics are engineered to perform under demanding conditions.

Think of seat belts that can withstand extreme force, surgical gowns that prevent infection, or geotextiles that hold together entire road structures. These are not just fabrics—they are enablers of safety, efficiency, and innovation.

From antimicrobial medical wear to fire-resistant suits and sensor-enabled wearable technology, technical textiles are quietly transforming everyday life.

India’s Strategic Push: Policy Meets Opportunity

Recognizing the transformative potential of this sector, the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India has taken a proactive role in building a future-ready textile ecosystem. Rather than focusing solely on volume, the government is prioritizing value—encouraging innovation, sustainability, and skill development.

This shift reflects a broader ambition: to position India not just as a manufacturing hub, but as a global leader in advanced materials.

Key Initiatives Powering the Transformation

India’s textile growth story is being actively shaped by a series of well-structured government programs:

National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM)

The National Technical Textiles Mission is at the heart of India’s push into high-performance textiles. It promotes research, supports startups, and encourages the development of specialized applications in sectors like agriculture and healthcare. Just as importantly, it focuses on reducing dependence on imported machinery by supporting indigenous innovation.

PM MITRA Parks: Building Scale and Efficiency

Through the PM Mega Integrated Textile Region and Apparel Parks initiative, India is creating large, integrated textile hubs. These parks bring together the entire value chain—from raw material processing to finished goods—within a single ecosystem. The result is lower costs, faster production cycles, and greater global competitiveness.

Samarth Scheme: Investing in People

No industry can grow without skilled talent. The Samarth Scheme addresses this by training a new generation of workers equipped to handle modern textile technologies. It is a crucial step in ensuring that innovation on paper translates into impact on the ground.

Boosting Research and Advanced Materials

The government is also investing in research projects focused on next-generation materials—ranging from sustainable geotextiles to smart wearables. These efforts are helping Indian institutions move beyond manufacturing into innovation-led growth.

Integrated Wool Development Programme (IWDP)

The Integrated Wool Development Programme strengthens one of India’s traditional sectors by improving quality, productivity, and supply chain efficiency, ensuring it remains relevant in a modern context.

The Bigger Picture: A Self-Reliant Textile Economy

All these initiatives align with the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat—building a self-reliant, globally competitive India. The goal is not just growth, but transformation: creating a $350 billion textile ecosystem by 2030 that blends scale with sophistication.

This approach is particularly significant in a world where supply chains are shifting and sustainability is no longer optional. By investing in eco-friendly chemicals, water-efficient processing, and biodegradable materials, India is aligning itself with global expectations while building long-term resilience.

Why Technical Textiles Matter More Than Ever

What makes technical textiles so powerful is their invisibility. They operate behind the scenes—reinforcing roads, protecting lives, improving medical outcomes, and enabling next-generation technologies.

As industries move toward automation, electrification, and sustainability, the demand for high-performance materials will only grow. Technical textiles, supported by innovations in specialty chemicals, are uniquely positioned to meet this demand.

Looking Ahead: From Potential to Leadership

India stands at a pivotal moment. With strong policy backing, a growing innovation ecosystem, and a large manufacturing base, the country has all the ingredients needed to lead in this space.

The journey, however, is not just about scaling up—it’s about moving up the value chain. Success will depend on continued investment in research, stronger industry-academia collaboration, and a relentless focus on quality and sustainability.

If executed well, India’s technical textiles sector will not just support industrial growth—it will define it.

AI “searches,” humans “assist” purchases — Shanghai, Bangkok, and Mumbai lead in AI-driven shopping

Tokyo, Japan, Mar 23: transcosmos has conducted its proprietary “Global Online Shopping Trends Survey 2026,” summarizing the latest trends in AI-powered shopping using generative AI. The survey compares how consumers in eight major cities utilize AI at each stage of the shopping process—from product discovery and comparison to final purchase—and where they still prefer human support.

■Survey overview Method: Global online research panel, multilingual questionnaire (respective local language options available) Regions: Japan (Tokyo), Shanghai (China), Seoul (South Korea), India (Mumbai), Thailand (Bangkok), Jakarta (Indonesia), London (U.K.), Los Angeles (U.S.) Respondents: Men and women aged between 15 and 49 years old that have used online shopping (made a purchase) in the past 1 year Samples: 320 x 8 cities = Total 2,560 Period: January 28 – Feburary 10, 2026 Research agency: Cross Marketing, Inc. Note: Due to stricter personal data protection regulations, respondents under 20 were excluded in Bangkok.

■Key findings 1. AI Shopping Usage: Over 80% use AI search in Mumbai, Bangkok & Shanghai — strong intention to use across all cities ●When asked about their use of generative AI search services (ChatGPT, Perplexity, DeepSeek, etc.) across shopping stages—product discovery, Q&A/troubleshooting, and purchase—all cities showed the highest usage in “product discovery.” In Mumbai, Bangkok, and Shanghai, usage reached 70–90% across all stages, while Tokyo remained low at around 20% even for product searches. ●Future intention to use AI (those who “have used and want to continue using” + “have not used but want to try”) exceeded current usage in all cities.In Mumbai, Bangkok, and Shanghai, over 80% expressed willingness to use generative AI search services at every stage. Even in Tokyo, nearly half showed positive interest.

Chart 1. Usage of Generative AI Search Services (e.g., ChatGPT, Perplexity, DeepSeek) for AI Shopping: Current Usage (Left) and Future Intent to Use (Right) (%)
━ Product Search ━ Q&A/troubleshooting ━ Purchase

2．Consumers prefer AI for searching, but still value human help for troubleshooting and purchases ●Regarding preferences between “AI assistance” and “human assistance,” AI overwhelmingly dominated the product discovery stage in every city except Tokyo. For troubleshooting and purchasing, demand for human support remained strong, resulting in a more balanced preference between AI and humans. ●Cities with higher AI usage—Mumbai, Bangkok, and Shanghai—also showed stronger preference for AI across all stages. For product discovery, AI preference reached 85% in Mumbai and Bangkok, and 80% in Shanghai, while Tokyo remained at 47%.

Chart 2. Preference for Customer Assistance in the Online Shopping Process (AI Support vs. Human Support Ratio) (%)

■ AI Support ■ Human Support

3．Social commerce usage continues to grow in all cities — Key channels are TikTok/Douyin and Instagram ●Over the past year, more than half of consumers in all cities except Tokyo used social commerce. Usage reached 95% in Bangkok, 93% in Shanghai, and 90% in Jakarta. Social commerce usage increased year-over-year in all cities, including London and Los Angeles. Tokyo remains low at 24%. ●The most widely used platform was TikTok/Douyin, particularly in cities where TikTok Shop is available (Shanghai, Bangkok, Jakarta, London, Los Angeles). In Mumbai and Seoul, Instagram and YouTube were most used, showing that short-video and image-driven social commerce remains strong even where TikTok/TikTok Shop is restricted.

Chart 3. Percentage of Social Commerce Users (2025–2026 Comparison) (%)

Chart 4. Main Platforms Used for Social Commerce Purchases (%)

Masayuki Hagiwara, Analyst, Global Business Division at transcosmos inc., commented: “The survey indicates that generative AI is significantly transforming online shopping behavior. AI is becoming the new gateway for product discovery, especially in Asian cities, where AI search and social media–driven purchasing behavior are rapidly expanding. Meanwhile, consumers still rely on human support for troubleshooting and final purchase decisions, showing a distinct division of roles between AI and humans. Additionally, platforms like TikTok are evolving from information sources to full-fledged shopping channels, diversifying entry points to e-commerce. In the future, the key to competitive advantage in e-commerce will lie in how companies integrate AI search, social commerce, and human support.”

transcosmos is a trademark or registered trademark of transcosmos inc. in Japan and other countries. Other company names and product or service names used here are trademarks or registered trademarks of respective companies.

Ho Chi Minh City, March 23 (BNP): Vincom Retail hosted a large-scale partner forum titled “The New Era – Partnering to Shape the Future” in Ho Chi Minh City on March 20, bringing together over 500 domestic and international stakeholders to discuss emerging trends and collaboration opportunities in Vietnam’s evolving retail landscape.

The event saw participation from leading global and regional brands including UNIQLO, MUJI, Decathlon, Pandora, Starbucks, and Central Retail, alongside prominent Vietnamese brands and retail chains.

At the forum, Vincom Retail highlighted the rapid transformation of shopping malls into integrated lifestyle destinations, reflecting a shift in consumer preferences toward immersive experiences and social engagement rather than conventional purchasing.

Outlining its strategic roadmap to 2030, the company said it aims to position itself as a leading retail real estate developer and operator in Asia. The strategy focuses on building world-class destinations, expanding its international footprint, and fostering a global ecosystem that enables new retail concepts to enter Vietnam.

As part of its product strategy, Vincom Retail is advancing two core models: Vincom Mega Mall, positioned as a large-scale “shoppertainment” hub, and Vincom Collection, a “retail-tainment” concept integrating shopping with tourism through experiences centred on play, discovery, dining, and relaxation.

A key highlight was the introduction of a “super destination” model at Vinhomes Green Paradise Can Gio, which will feature 15 next-generation retail complexes. Initial projects such as Vincom Mega Mall Can Gio and Vincom Collection Cosmo Bay are expected to deliver immersive, sustainable, and nature-integrated experiences.

Industry leaders at the event underscored the importance of partnerships in driving growth. Representatives from brands such as Dookki noted that collaboration with Vincom Retail has enabled expansion and innovation in Vietnam’s competitive F&B sector.

Vincom Retail also reiterated its role as a key platform connecting international and domestic brands, supporting market entry, scaling operations, and enhancing customer experiences.

Currently, Vincom Retail operates 90 shopping malls across Vietnam with a total gross leasable area of 1.9 million square metres, along with 5,500 shophouses spanning 31 provinces and cities. The company partners with more than 1,000 brands and ranks among Southeast Asia’s largest retail real estate developers by scale.

The forum concluded with a focus on strengthening long-term partnerships and leveraging emerging “super destinations” such as Can Gio to drive the next phase of Vietnam’s retail growth.

Protein is having a moment—from TikTok cottage cheese hacks to high-protein everything lining grocery store shelves—and now even America’s most nostalgic comfort food is getting a functional upgrade.

Kraft Heinz just announced Kraft Mac & Cheese PowerMac, a new take on its iconic blue box that more than doubles the protein (17g) and adds fiber—without changing the signature taste consumers grew up with.

This launch taps directly into the broader “protein craze,” where consumers are increasingly seeking foods that deliver both comfort and functional nutrition. It also raises interesting questions about how legacy brands are evolving to compete in a market now dominated by wellness-focused startups and macro-conscious consumers.

We can connect you with experts at George Washington University who can speak to:

• Why protein has become the dominant nutrient trend in 2026 (and whether it’s overhyped)
• The rise of “stealth health” foods—comfort classics reformulated with functional benefits
• How brands like Kraft are balancing nostalgia with modern nutrition demands
• Whether products like PowerMac actually meet health expectations—or just repackage indulgence

Gabby Headrick is an assistant professor in the Department of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences at the GW Milken Institute School of Public Health. As a food systems dietitian, Headrick’s research, teaching, and practice center on the social, environmental, and political determinants of food and nutrition security in the United States, with a particular focus on urban food systems.

Priya Fielding-Singh is the director of Policy and Programs at the Global Food Institute, where she leads domestic policy, programming, and engagement initiatives. A trained social scientist, her expertise is in food and nutrition equity, maternal and child health, and public policy.

Kelli Metzger is a registered dietitian and nutritionist within the GW Medical Faculty Associates. 

Singapore, March 23 (BNP): Global financial technology platform Adyen on Monday announced the expansion of its longstanding partnership with Hong Kong-based airline Cathay Pacific, extending direct acquiring services across multiple international markets, including India.

The enhanced collaboration, which builds on a partnership that began in 2014, now covers markets such as Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand, the United States, Japan, and most recently, India. The development marks a significant milestone in Cathay Pacific’s global commerce strategy, with Adyen playing a central role in streamlining the airline’s payment infrastructure.

Adyen said its direct acquiring capabilities are aimed at improving transaction performance by increasing authorization rates, lowering payment processing costs, and enabling revenue growth across geographies.

In India, where the solution was recently rolled out, Cathay Pacific has reported a 10 per cent increase in authorization rates since implementation, the company said.

Kinto Chan, General Manager, Sales and Distribution at Cathay Pacific, said the partnership supports the airline’s focus on delivering a seamless and secure customer experience while expanding into key markets.

Adyen’s President for Asia Pacific, Warren Hayashi, said the collaboration is designed to simplify global payment complexities and enhance conversion rates, thereby supporting Cathay Pacific’s commercial growth worldwide.

The expanded partnership underscores the growing importance of integrated payment solutions in the aviation sector as airlines seek to optimise digital transactions and improve customer experience across markets.

New Delhi (BNP Analysis): The ongoing geopolitical tensions in West Asia have once again exposed the vulnerabilities—and emerging strengths—of India’s energy and supply chain architecture. While immediate disruptions have been contained, the situation is fast becoming a stress test for the country’s long-term economic resilience.

At the heart of the government’s response lies a familiar concern: energy security. With the Strait of Hormuz—a critical artery for global oil flows—under strain, India has moved to stabilise domestic fuel availability through high refinery utilisation and adequate stockpiling. For businesses, this has translated into short-term stability in fuel supply, helping avoid the kind of volatility that can ripple across manufacturing, logistics and consumer markets.

However, the calibrated rationing of natural gas for industrial and commercial users signals an underlying constraint. While priority allocation to households and transport ensures social and economic continuity, industries dependent on gas-based inputs may face cost pressures or supply adjustments if disruptions persist. This could particularly affect sectors such as ceramics, glass, fertilisers and city gas-dependent enterprises.

The pressure on commercial LPG supply further highlights India’s dependence on imports for key energy inputs. The government’s move to increase allocations and prioritise essential sectors—such as hospitality, food services and healthcare—offers temporary relief. Yet, for businesses, especially MSMEs and urban service providers, the episode reinforces the need to diversify energy sources and invest in alternatives like piped natural gas (PNG) and electric systems.

In fact, one of the most notable policy signals emerging from the crisis is the accelerated push towards PNG adoption. By streamlining approvals, incentivising connections and nudging commercial establishments to shift away from LPG, the government appears to be using the disruption as a catalyst for structural transition in urban energy consumption.

The fallback on kerosene and coal as supplementary fuels, while effective as a short-term buffer, also underscores the trade-offs between sustainability and supply security. For energy-intensive industries, this raises important questions around compliance costs, emissions targets and future regulatory alignment.

Beyond energy, the government’s focus on preventing hoarding and ensuring last-mile supply stability carries direct implications for market confidence. Strong enforcement actions and the activation of monitoring mechanisms across states are critical to avoiding artificial shortages, price distortions and speculative behaviour—factors that can quickly disrupt business operations.

From a logistics standpoint, India’s maritime ecosystem has so far demonstrated resilience. With port operations running smoothly and shipping routes being actively monitored, trade flows have remained largely unaffected. This continuity is particularly crucial for export-import dependent sectors, including petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals and engineering goods.

The aviation and mobility dimension, however, presents a more complex picture. Airspace disruptions in parts of West Asia have necessitated rerouting of flights, potentially increasing operational costs for airlines and travel time for passengers. For businesses with a significant workforce presence in the Gulf, this could translate into logistical challenges and higher travel expenses in the near term.

The large-scale movement of Indian nationals back home also has economic implications. While remittance flows may not see an immediate impact, prolonged instability in the region could affect labour markets and income streams linked to the Gulf economies.

Strategically, the current crisis is likely to accelerate India’s efforts to diversify both energy sources and trade routes. Investments in alternative energy infrastructure, expansion of gas networks, and exploration of new import corridors are expected to gain urgency. At the same time, businesses may increasingly factor geopolitical risk into supply chain planning and procurement strategies.

In the final analysis, while India’s immediate response has ensured stability, the West Asia crisis serves as a reminder that resilience is no longer optional—it is a competitive necessity. For corporate India, the message is clear: agility in energy use, diversification of supply chains and alignment with evolving policy directions will be key to navigating an increasingly uncertain global landscape.

New Delhi, Mar 23 (BNP): G. Kishan Reddy will on Monday launch the seventh tranche of auctions for critical and strategic mineral blocks, in a move aimed at strengthening India’s mineral security and supporting emerging sectors such as clean energy and advanced technologies.

The launch will take place in the presence of Minister of State for Coal and Mines Satish Chandra Dubey, the Ministry of Mines said.

Critical minerals such as lithium, graphite, rare earth elements, tungsten, vanadium and titanium have become increasingly important amid the global shift towards clean energy and high-tech manufacturing. However, their limited availability and concentration in select geographies pose challenges to stable supply chains.

To address these concerns, the government amended the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 in August 2023, identifying 24 minerals as critical and strategic. The amendment empowers the Centre to auction mining leases and composite licences for these resources, while revenues are allocated to the respective state governments.

The ministry has so far conducted six rounds of auctions, successfully allocating 46 mineral blocks, indicating strong industry interest and growing investor confidence in the sector.

In the upcoming tranche, 19 mineral blocks across multiple states will be offered under mining lease and composite licence categories. These blocks include a range of minerals vital for industries such as renewable energy, fertilisers and strategic manufacturing.

Officials said recent regulatory reforms have further improved the auction framework by enhancing transparency and reducing delays in operationalisation. Changes in rules have streamlined processes such as upfront payments, performance security and issuance of letters of intent, while also allowing insurance surety bonds as an alternative to bank guarantees.

The auctions will be conducted through a transparent, online two-stage ascending forward bidding process, with successful bidders selected based on the highest revenue share offered.

New Delhi, Mar 22 (BNP): G. Kishan Reddy on Sunday said coal gasification will play a pivotal role in strengthening India’s energy security, reducing import dependence and supporting industrial growth, while addressing the Bharat Electricity Summit 2026.

Speaking to industry leaders, experts, start-ups, researchers and policymakers, the minister said India’s rapidly expanding economy requires a balanced energy strategy that aligns growth with sustainability. He noted that under the leadership of Narendra Modi, the country is witnessing strong progress across manufacturing, infrastructure, digital connectivity and innovation.

Highlighting India’s vast coal reserves of nearly 400 billion tonnes—among the largest globally—Reddy said coal currently accounts for about 55 per cent of the country’s energy mix and nearly 74 per cent of electricity generation. With annual demand at around one billion tonnes and expected to rise significantly by 2047, he underlined the continued importance of coal even as India pursues its Net Zero emissions target by 2070.

Describing coal gasification as a transformative technology, the minister said it converts coal into syngas, which can be used to produce cleaner fuels, chemicals, fertilisers and hydrogen, enabling more efficient and sustainable utilisation of domestic resources. He also pointed to India’s heavy dependence on imports, including crude oil, natural gas, methanol and fertilisers, stressing the need to enhance energy self-reliance.

Reddy said the government has launched the National Coal Gasification Mission with a target of achieving 100 million tonnes of gasification by 2030. An incentive scheme worth ₹8,500 crore has been introduced to support projects across the public and private sectors, with investments exceeding ₹64,000 crore already in the pipeline.

He also highlighted advanced technologies such as Underground Coal Gasification (UCG) for their potential to utilise otherwise inaccessible reserves while reducing environmental impact.

Calling for greater collaboration among industry, academia, start-ups and research institutions, the minister said coal gasification spans multiple sectors, including power, oil and gas, and fertilisers. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to facilitating investments through supportive policies, streamlined approvals and incentives.

Expressing confidence in India’s capabilities, Reddy said the country is well-positioned to emerge as a global leader in clean coal technologies while advancing energy security, sustainability, and self-reliance.