Gandhidham, Kandla will host the Global Freight Forum (GFF) on Friday, November 7, bringing together leading voices from the manufacturing, trade, and logistics sectors, alongside policymakers and port authorities, to deliberate on India’s growing role in global supply chains.
Organized by India Seatrade, a leading maritime industry platform, the one-day forum will take place at Hotel Radisson, Gandhidham, under the theme: “India’s Ports and Logistics: Building Pathways for Global Supply Chain Leadership.”
The event will open with a welcome address by Mr. K. Mohandas, IAS (Retd), Chairman, India Seatrade, and former Secretary, Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways.
“India’s logistics ecosystem stands at an inflection point,” said Mr. K. Mohandas. “With sustained policy reforms, world-class port infrastructure, and private sector innovation, we are poised to transform our maritime and logistics networks into true engines of global competitiveness.”
The opening session, “The Pivotal Role of Gujarat Ports in Lifting India’s Trade,” will feature key voices from major port users and logistics companies, including Arvind Fashions, Jindal Stainless, PSA India, Welspun Living, Fast Track CFS, and CMA CGM India, with Mr. Nilabhra Dasgupta, IRS, Deputy Chairperson, Deendayal Port Authority, chairing the discussion.
An exclusive session by VOC Port Authority, led by its senior officials, will follow—showcasing the port’s strategic initiatives, sustainability roadmap, and growth outlook.
The second thematic session, “Innovating Today, Sustaining Tomorrow: Logistics for Global Competitiveness,” will explore emerging business models and digital innovations that are reshaping logistics efficiency. Participants include JM Baxi Ports & Terminals, Bhavani Shipping, Driver Logistics, MPRS Shipping, Ashuthosh CFS, and AMTOI, with Mr. Xerres Master, Managing Director, Master Group, chairing the discussion.
The day will culminate in a high-level plenary session on “Unlocking Growth: How Port and Logistics Policies Drive India’s Competitiveness,” featuring senior government officials and trade leaders including Mr. Rajesh Kumar Sinha, IAS, Special Secretary, Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways; Mr. Sameer Kumar Khare, IAS (Retd), Chairman, National Shipping Board; Mr. Sushil Kumar Singh, IRSME, Chairperson, Deendayal Port Authority; Mr. Susanta Kumar Purohit, IRSEE, Chairperson, VOC Port Authority; Mr. Dnyaneshwar B. Patil, IAS, Zonal Development Commissioner, Kandla Special Economic Zone; Mr. Khushwant Jain, Regional Chairman – West, FIEO & Owner, GS Exports; and Mr. Narender Panwar, IRTS, Chief Freight Transportation Manager, Western Railways.
The Global Freight Forum aims to foster deeper collaboration between government, trade, and industry stakeholders, reinforcing India’s ambition to emerge as a global logistics and maritime powerhouse. The event will conclude with a felicitation ceremony and networking dinner.
About India Seatrade
India Seatrade is a leading knowledge and event platform dedicated to India’s maritime and logistics sectors. Through conferences, publications, and leadership dialogues, it fosters collaboration across ports, shipping, trade, and logistics to accelerate growth, policy alignment, and technology adoption. Over the past decade, India Seatrade has hosted several high-impact forums that connect policymakers, industry leaders, and innovators shaping the future of India’s maritime economy.
