1. Please tell us about your recent visit to Shillong. I am delighted to share insights from our recent visit to Shillong from March 24 to 26, 2025, where I had the privilege of being part of the esteemed German delegation alongside Dr. Philipp Ackermann, the German Ambassador to India and Bhutan; Ms. Barbara Voss, Consul General of the German Consulate General Kolkata; Ms. Suchismita Roy from Bayer Crop Science; Ms. Dubey, Economic and Press Officer of the German Consulate; and Denise Eichhorn, Head of ProRecognition and Hand in Hand for International Talents at the Indo-German Chamber of Commerce (IGCC). Our participation in the 7th Act East Business Show, initiated by the Meghalaya government’s "Invest in Meghalaya" initiative, proved to be a pivotal moment for fostering bilateral business relations. The event featured a significant address by Dr. Ackermann and included a German Business Roundtable at the Meghalaya Secretariat, where over 40 participants engaged in fruitful discussions on potential collaborations between Meghalaya and Germany. A particularly memorable moment was my meeting with Chief Minister Conrad Kongkal Sangma, where we explored the promising avenues for long-term sustainable cooperation between the German industry and the state of Meghalaya. 2. What are some of the promising investment opportunities in Northeast India? The Northeast presents a wealth of investment opportunities that the German delegation found particularly compelling. Our discussions highlighted potential sectors such as renewable energy, data centers, and the promotion of Meghalaya as a prime tourist destination for German travellers drawn to its breathtaking nature and rich cultural heritage. Moreover, we recognized the unique products of Meghalaya, including exquisite handicrafts and health-oriented organic spices like turmeric and pepper, which align perfectly with the preferences of the lifestyle-conscious German consumer. The Indo-German Chamber of Commerce (IGCC) is committed to facilitating these collaborations, ensuring that both German companies and local stakeholders can explore and harness these opportunities effectively. 3. Can you share some insights on Indo-German partnerships in sustainability and skilled migration? Sustainability and skilled migration are indeed cornerstones of Indo-German partnerships. During our visit, we were fortunate to engage with a group of enthusiastic young students, alongside Ms. Voss and Ms. Eichhorn, showcasing pathways to live and work in Germany. The interest shown in job opportunities in Germany across various sectors, including mechatronics, electrical engineering, nursing, and hospitality, underscores the potential for skill exchange and development. Our Hand in Hand for International Talents project is designed to support this initiative, helping individuals be placed with German companies and accompanies them on their migration journey to Germany. Meghalaya boasts a technically skilled, English-proficient young workforce that is highly sought after by German employers. Strengthening Indo-German cooperation in skilled migration could create a mutually beneficial opportunity for both sides. 4. What role does the Indo-German Chamber of Commerce (IGCC) play in economic growth? The IGCC aims to play a pivotal role in supporting the economic growth of the Northeast. We are dedicated to promoting bilateral trade, ensuring that Meghalaya gains visibility among the German conscious consumer. In the near future, we anticipate facilitating delegations from Germany to Meghalaya and vice versa, creating avenues for business collaboration and industry engagement. Our extensive network and services are at the disposal of both German companies and local enterprises eager to establish meaningful partnerships. 5. Any closing thoughts? In closing, I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Meghalaya government for their warm hospitality and exceptional organization that made the German delegation's visit so successful. I am genuinely impressed by the various potential areas of cooperation we explored, and I eagerly look forward to seeing our industry and cultural bonds deepen. The Indo-German Chamber of Commerce (IGCC), founded in 1956, remains committed to fostering these connections through our offices in India and Germany, ensuring that both nations can benefit from our collaborative efforts.
The Indo-German Chamber of Commerce (IGCC), in association with Kirtane & Pandit Consulting as a Knowledge Partner, successfully hosted "Envision 2025" on 28th February 2025 at Sheraton Grand, Pune. With over 90 industry leaders in attendance, the event provided a dynamic platform for meaningful discussions and high-impact networking, focusing on the theme "Strengthening Manufacturing with ESG & Risk Control." In today’s evolving business landscape, sustainability and effective risk management are no longer optional but essential drivers of resilience and success. As industries adapt to regulatory changes, shifting global supply chain demands, and stakeholder expectations, Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles have emerged as a key framework for long-term sustainability. Simultaneously, robust internal controls and risk management strategies ensure operational integrity, financial stability, and business continuity. Envision 2025 provided a crucial forum for industry leaders to exchange insights on integrating ESG and risk management into manufacturing processes. The discussions underscored the importance of aligning corporate strategy with ESG best practices, implementing structured risk control mechanisms, and fostering a responsible, future-ready manufacturing ecosystem. By proactively addressing ESG compliance and risk governance, businesses can enhance their competitiveness, meet international benchmarks, and drive sustainable growth. The event commenced with opening remarks by Mr. Kalpesh Saraf, Western Region Director of IGCC, setting the stage for an insightful keynote address by Mr. Sunil Dadhe, Ret. IAAS and former Deputy Comptroller and Auditor General of India. Drawing from his vast experience in public auditing, sustainability, and governance, Mr. Dadhe provided an in-depth analysis of the Business Responsibility and Sustainability Reporting (BRSR) framework in India. He highlighted key challenges observed in BRSR reporting, emphasizing the need for greater transparency and integrated disclosures. His address also underscored the crucial role of risk control frameworks in strengthening corporate governance and ensuring compliance with evolving ESG standards. The first panel discussion explored Driving ESG and Risk Control Strategies, further enhancing the synergy. The panel consisted of industry experts Hemant Watve, MD, Wilo Mather and Platt Pvt Ltd, Chandrakant Kakade, HSE Expert, Webasto India, Ameya Chincholikar, Director, APAC IES . Session was moderated by Akshay Purandare, Partner at Kirtane & Pandit. Discussions spanned key aspects of India's ESG journey, challenges faced by SMEs in adopting BRSR, the growing influence of ESG compliance on global supply chains, and the importance of transitioning to a circular economy to enhance business resilience. Panelists emphasized that ESG is not just a compliance exercise but a transformative approach that helps businesses reduce risks, optimize costs, and create long-term value. The evening progressed into its last panel discussion of the evening which focused on Internal Controls & Risk Management, which featured industry experts from Schaeffler India Limited : Ganesh Korgaonkar, Head of Industrial Controlling and Risk Management, Gedia India Automotive Components : Amitabh Mathur, MD & CEO, EMUGE-FRANKEN INDIA PVT. LTD : Santosh Ullal, CEO and Board Member, moderated by Gaurav Sukhija, Partner at Kirtane & Pandit. Panelists discussed the evolving role of internal controls in both listed and unlisted companies, highlighting how risk management frameworks need to be adapted to India’s diverse regulatory landscape. They underscored that owner-driven companies naturally design business processes to safeguard their interests, which often evolve into internal controls. However, as businesses scale, they must integrate compliance-driven frameworks without creating parallel systems that burden operations. Key takeaways from the discussions included: BRSR compliance is gaining traction, and SMEs should proactively align with ESG reporting frameworks to remain competitive. Global supply chains are shifting towards stricter ESG norms, requiring Indian businesses to integrate sustainability into their operations. A circular economy is a strategic necessity, not just a trend, offering cost efficiency and long-term resilience. Achieving net-zero emissions requires a mix of regulatory support, industry collaboration, and innovation, particularly for SMEs with limited resources. The event concluded with a vote of thanks by CA Akhilesh Joshi, Director at Kirtane & Pandit, who emphasized the significance of sustainability, governance, and risk control in shaping the future of manufacturing. He expressed gratitude to all speakers and attendees, reaffirming Indo German Chamber of Commerce and Kirtane & Pandit's commitment to fostering knowledge-sharing platforms that drive responsible and resilient industrial growth. As the manufacturing sector in India continues to evolve, integrating ESG and risk control frameworks will be instrumental in ensuring long-term success. Events like Envision 2025 serve as a catalyst for businesses to embrace sustainable innovation, enhance regulatory preparedness, and build a more responsible and future-ready industry.