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India’s Largest-Ever Foundry Event – IFEX and the 74th Indian Foundry Congress

India’s foundry industry sends a powerful signal to the world

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By: Thomas Fritsch, Chief Editor

India’s foundry industry continues its dynamic growth trajectory with impressive momentum. For years, it has been clear that the world’s most populous nation will rank among the key drivers of the global economy. With its vast domestic market, India offers enormous opportunities for industry, investors, and international partners alike.

How confidently and powerfully the sector is positioning itself was demonstrated at the most recent IFEX, held alongside the 74th Indian Foundry Congress in Mumbai. Under the leadership of Subodh Panchal and his team, an event was organized that set new benchmarks in scale and impact – the largest foundry event ever held in India.

Record Figures Highlight the Momentum

The numbers speak for themselves:

  • 45,000 visitors
  • 415 exhibitors
  • 1,410 registered delegates
  • 36 registered casting buyers
  • 89 registered foundries participating in the buyer–seller meet
  • 66 speakers, including high-profile international panelists

In addition, the program featured numerous specialist formats and discussion platforms: panel discussions within the India Foundry Forum, the World Foundry Forum, Aluconf focusing on light metals, and the presentation of the “Bharat 360” report outlining projections for the Indian foundry industry through 2047. Considerable attention was also drawn to the new casting inspection handbook by Staf Handerix.

An emotional highlight was the “Bharat Kalash,” sent by foundries from 27 Indian states – a powerful symbol of unity, identity, and confidence in the future of the industry.


 

Growth from Within – Tailwinds from Abroad

The success of this event represents far more than a record-breaking industry gathering. It stands as a symbol of the strategic realignment and strong determination within Indian industry to grow, invest, and close technological gaps.

Alongside this internal momentum, external factors are playing an increasingly decisive role. The geopolitical landscape is rapidly generating new partnerships and trade agreements. Notably, relations between India and the EU have deepened, while new cooperations with countries such as Brazil are emerging. These developments open additional markets while simultaneously strengthening India’s domestic economy.

In export markets, issues such as tariffs and the practical implementation of the European CO₂ Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) will be recalibrated. How exactly these instruments will affect Indian foundry exports remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that the framework conditions are evolving – and they offer opportunities for those prepared to adapt strategically.

A Clearly Defined Direction

IFEX and the 74th Indian Foundry Congress have demonstrated with clarity where the journey is heading: India is positioning itself as a globally relevant player in the foundry industry – with growing technological expertise, strong international networking, and a powerful domestic market.

The current developments are not a short-term impulse but part of a long-term transformation. Those who recognize this momentum and actively shape it will benefit from this evolution – regardless of where they stand within the value chain.

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