DHL eCommerce CEO Pablo Ciano has reaffirmed India’s significance as one of the most important markets for the DHL Group, highlighting the country as a key driver of the company’s global growth. Speaking in an interview with ANI, Ciano emphasized that Blue Dart, DHL’s express logistics arm in India, continues to play a pivotal role in the group’s strategy.
“Blue Dart in India is a very important company for the DHL Group. India remains one of the fastest-growing economies globally, making it an attractive market for us,” Ciano said.
Under a multi-year investment plan, DHL is intensifying its expansion and digital transformation initiatives for Blue Dart. Ciano revealed that the group is investing $250 million to upgrade Blue Dart’s ground infrastructure, including delivery centers and hubs across the country. A significant portion of the funds will focus on automation and digitalization to enhance operational efficiency and manage the rising volume of e-commerce shipments.
“All our customer-facing tools have been upgraded, and we are integrating best-in-class systems with our clients through APIs,” Ciano noted.
Blue Dart operates more than 2,200 delivery centers in India, handling over 1.5 million shipments daily. Recent infrastructure projects include a new hub in Kolkata, upcoming facilities in Delhi, and expansion into tier-II and tier-III cities. In addition, the company is enhancing its air network and upgrading aircraft components to ensure faster and more reliable nationwide service.
Ciano also observed that India’s logistics sector is undergoing consolidation, citing mergers such as Delhivery and Ecom Express as signs of a maturing industry. “Consolidation will continue, bringing stability and efficiency to the market,” he said.
On the global trade front, he highlighted the rapid adaptation of supply chains in response to changing tariff policies and shifting manufacturing patterns. India, according to Ciano, is emerging as a crucial manufacturing and export hub, particularly for high-tech, life sciences, and healthcare sectors.
Sustainability is another key focus. All new DHL facilities in India are carbon-neutral and designed for lower CO2 emissions. The group is also expanding the use of electric vehicles and plans to introduce sustainable aviation fuel in India as it becomes available.
Looking ahead, Ciano reaffirmed DHL’s long-term commitment to the Indian market: “We will continue investing in Blue Dart and all our business units across India. Our journey here will only become better and better.”
