India a crucial player in global geopolitics as nations seek resilient supply chains, say experts

India's role in global geopolitics has taken centre stage as nations increasingly prioritise resilient supply chains. The move towards more dependable and diversified supply networks, coupled with India's growing reputation as a critical partner, has elevated the country's prominence in the global arena.

In an exclusive interview with CNBC-TV18 on Tuesday (October 17), Arun Kumar, Managing Partner of Celesta Capital, emphasised the strengthening of the US-India relationship. "The ties between the US and India have never been better," he stated. He highlighted the 'Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology' as a cornerstone of this bilateral relationship, with India's abundant pool of talent poised to benefit both nations.

Resilient supply chains have become a vital component in the current geopolitical landscape. "There is an urgent need to diversify supply chains, and India is a natural partner in this endeavour," said Arun Kumar.

Celesta Capital, a prominent investment firm, is keen on bolstering India's manufacturing sector, particularly in the areas of deep and advanced manufacturing. Their recent investments in Agnikul and IdeaForge underscore their commitment to India's growth as a manufacturing hub.

Furthermore, global logistics giant FedEx has taken note of India's emergence as a pivotal player in the new world order. Kami Viswanathan, President - Middle East, Indian Subcontinent and Africa (MEISA) Operations, FedEx, highlighted the rise of e-commerce as a key driver for cross-border trade.

"FedEx is witnessing increasing demand from small- and medium-sized businesses seeking to tap into global markets," Vishwanathan remarked. She also stressed the importance of a conducive regulatory environment to facilitate these businesses' expansion into global markets through e-commerce.

Vishwanathan praised India's progressive actions in the form of Gati Shakti and National Logistics Policy (NLP) but called for further acceleration in these initiatives. "More can be done to expedite Gati Shakti and NLP," she urged, emphasising the need for streamlining express exports by removing value restrictions and implementing a single-window clearance system.

Congestion at airports for cargo operations and transhipment regulations also came under scrutiny, as Vishwanathan suggested that these bottlenecks need to be addressed promptly. "We don't only look at India as a destination but as a regional hub," she said, further underscoring India's significance in the global logistics chain.