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Om Birla: World Sees India as a Key Investment Destination

Speaker says India’s democracy and growth draw global confidence

Published

12 months ago

November 4, 2025

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Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Thursday said that the world is increasingly looking to invest in India, drawn by its vibrant democracy, rapid economic expansion, and technological prowess. Speaking at the 125th Anniversary Celebrations of the Bharat Chamber of Commerce in Kolkata, themed “India@100: An Age of a New Dawn,” Birla said that under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the nation is steadily advancing towards becoming a global economic powerhouse.

He emphasised the government’s commitment to building a business-friendly environment, driven by the principles of minimum government, maximum governance. The administration, he said, is focused on reducing bureaucratic hurdles, expanding industrial capacity, and encouraging innovation. Birla also urged the private sector to invest more in research and development (R&D) and strive to meet global standards, assuring that the government will complement such efforts to strengthen India’s innovation-led growth.

Praising the Bharat Chamber of Commerce, Birla called it a source of inspiration for business chambers across India. He lauded its 125-year legacy of resilience, foresight, and public service, recalling its origins as the Marwari Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber, he noted, has played a key role in India’s industrial, social, and economic transformation and in promoting corporate social responsibility.

Birla observed that India’s success as a democracy lies in its stability, inclusiveness, and deep cultural roots. “Democracy in India is not just a system of governance, but a way of life,” he said, adding that the nation’s robust institutions ensure policy continuity and investor confidence, both crucial for long-term growth.

He stressed that where democracy thrives, sound policy decisions and effective implementation follow, creating a foundation for sustainable development. Birla also highlighted India’s rise as a global innovation hub, driven by strong public–private partnerships in technology and R&D, which are propelling India into leadership positions in emerging industries.

Touching on inclusive growth, Birla noted that the increasing participation of women and youth reflects India’s social transformation. He highlighted women’s growing role across sectors and said they will remain pivotal in shaping a self-reliant and developed India. Similarly, he praised India’s youth and entrepreneurs for driving creativity, enterprise, and innovation, shaping the country’s future with energy and vision.

Reaffirming the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, Birla called for stronger collaboration among industry, government, and academia to build a resilient, self-sustaining economy. He also underlined India’s emerging leadership in clean and green energy, expressing confidence that the country will play a leading role in addressing climate and environmental challenges globally.

Acknowledging West Bengal’s historical contribution to India’s growth, Birla said the state has long been a cradle of intellectual, cultural, and industrial excellence. He noted that Bengal has produced eminent thinkers, reformers, poets, and industrialists, and continues to inspire the nation with its enduring spirit of innovation and enterprise.

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JK Lakshmi Cement Begins Rs 110 Billion Assam Plant Project

The 2.5 MTPA integrated cement plant is expected to be completed by FY2029.

Published

3 hours ago

October 31, 2026

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JK Lakshmi Cement has recently laid the foundation stone for Project Kamakshi, its first integrated cement manufacturing facility in Assam, marking its entry into Northeast India. The groundbreaking ceremony was held at Umrangso village in Dima Hasao district in the presence of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.

The project involves an investment of Rs 110 billion, including the mining lease, and will have an annual cement production capacity of 2.5 million tonnes, supported by a 1 million tonne clinkerisation unit. Scheduled for completion by FY2029, the facility is expected to generate employment for over 2,000 people while catering primarily to the growing Northeast market.

The integrated plant will feature dedicated railway sidings to facilitate efficient transportation of raw materials and finished cement, strengthening supply chain reliability and regional distribution.

Vinita Singhania, Chairperson and Managing Director, JK Lakshmi Cement, said, “”Project Kamakshi is the start of a long-term relationship with Assam and the wider North East. This is a region that is building fast, and it deserves quality cement made close to home. With this plant, we want to bring scale, jobs, and dependable supply to the region. At JK Lakshmi Cement, we believe that building a stronger India goes beyond infrastructure. It is also about growing together with the communities we serve.””

The investment aligns with the company’s strategy to expand into high-growth markets beyond its established presence in Northern, Western and Eastern India. The project is also expected to support regional economic development and infrastructure growth.

JK Lakshmi Cement aims to pursue its expansion plans while working towards its long-term target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2047.

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JK Lakshmi Cement to Expand EV Fleet to 120 Vehicles by March 2027

JK Lakshmi Cement has deployed more than 70 EVs across its logistics network.

Published

1 day ago

October 30, 2026

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JK Lakshmi Cement has deployed more than 70 electric vehicles (EVs) across its logistics network and plans to increase the fleet to 120 vehicles by March 2027. The expansion is part of its decarbonisation strategy, which aims to reduce transport-related emissions and improve operational efficiency.

The company has achieved nearly 100 per cent EV-based clinker dispatches from its Sirohi plant in Rajasthan to the Kalol Grinding Unit in Gujarat. The transition marks an increased use of electric mobility for long-haul cement transportation and is intended to lower the environmental impact of logistics operations.

The existing fleet operates on routes connecting the Sirohi plant with the Kalol Grinding Unit, Palanpur Unit and Surat Grinding Unit. JK Lakshmi Cement is working with electric vehicle logistics providers SwitchLabs and Billion E to support fleet deployment and manage transportation requirements across these routes.

The company expects the planned expansion to increase the use of electric mobility throughout its logistics network for moving cement and clinker. Chairperson and Managing Director Vinita Singhania said the programme reflected the integration of sustainable practices with the company’s focus on long-term business efficiency, while describing the Sirohi–Kalol transition as an important step in its wider decarbonisation strategy.

The EV programme forms part of JK Lakshmi Cement’s green logistics and sustainability roadmap, alongside initiatives to improve efficiency and reduce emissions across its value chain. The company has set a long-term target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2047. It is part of the JK Organisation and operates integrated cement plants in Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh, along with grinding units in Gujarat, Haryana and Odisha. The company has an annual turnover of more than Rs. 60 bn, combined cement capacity of approximately 18 mn t per annum and a target to raise capacity to 30 mn t by 2030. Its portfolio includes ready-mix concrete, gypsum plaster, wall putty, primer, adhesives and fly ash blocks.

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Martin Engineering Appoints Ashwini Khunte as India General Manager

Published

1 day ago

October 30, 2026

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Martin Engineering names Ashwini Khunte India General Manager to strengthen operations and drive growth across key bulk material handling sectors.

Pune

Martin Engineering, a global provider of bulk material handling solutions, has appointed Ashwini Khunte as General Manager of its India business, strengthening its leadership as the company expands its presence across the country’s cement, mining, steel, power and infrastructure sectors.

Khunte brings more than a decade of experience with Martin Engineering, having joined its Indian operations in 2013 as a Design Engineer, shortly after the company established its presence in the country in 2012.

A mechanical engineer by qualification, she spent her initial five years developing bulk material handling solutions in collaboration with the company’s operations team. During this period, she gained extensive experience addressing operational challenges in the steel, cement and coal industries. She subsequently moved into project engineering, managing major engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) and original equipment manufacturer (OEM) projects from initial enquiry to commissioning. Her responsibilities later expanded to overseeing Martin Engineering’s conveyor product portfolio in India, involving customer engagement, technical presentations and site visits across heavy industries.

In 2024, Khunte was promoted to Head of Sales & Marketing for the company’s Europe, Middle East, Africa and India (EMEAI) region. The position broadened her international market exposure and strengthened her strategic and commercial leadership capabilities.

Commenting on her appointment, Ashwini Khunte, General Manager, Martin Engineering India, said: “India represents a tremendous opportunity for Martin Engineering. The country’s continued investment in cement, mining, steel, power and infrastructure is creating increasing demand for safer, cleaner and more productive bulk material handling, and that’s exactly what we do. My priority will be to build on the strong foundations already established in India, while continuing to develop our people, strengthen customer relationships and bring practical solutions to the challenges faced by our industry.”

Robert Whetstone, Area Vice President – EMEAI, Martin Engineering, highlighted Khunte’s technical expertise, market understanding and leadership experience.

“Ashwini brings an exceptional combination of technical understanding, customer knowledge and commercial leadership. She has grown as Martin Engineering has grown, and has consistently demonstrated outstanding capability to transform her expertise into practical solutions. Her knowledge of the Indian market, together with her international experience, makes her ideally suited to lead our India business through its next stage of growth for years to come.”

Since establishing its Indian business in 2012, Martin Engineering has expanded its local workforce, manufacturing capabilities and dealership network. The company supplies conveyor products, transfer point solutions, material flow aids, training and technical support to bulk material handling industries. Khunte’s appointment positions the company to further strengthen customer relationships and expand its solutions portfolio in India’s growing industrial and infrastructure markets.