Leading luminaries of Maritime, Logistics & Export–Import Trade to join Viksit Gujarat 2026 Summit in Ahmedabad
AHMEDABAD: The stage is set for one of Gujarat’s most significant industry gatherings as the Viksit Gujarat: Maritime, Logistics & Export Summit 2026 unfolds today at Hotel Hyatt, Vastrapur, Ahmedabad. The high-profile summit brings together leading policymakers, port authorities, customs officials, railway leaders, export strategists, academicians, and industry captains to deliberate on strengthening Gujarat’s position as India’s gateway to global trade.
Organised jointly by India Shipping News (ISN) and the Knowledge Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI), the Summit is themed “Connecting Shores, Creating Opportunities” and is witnessing enthusiastic participation from across the maritime and EXIM ecosystem.
High-Level Inaugural Session
The Inaugural Session, themed “Gujarat: India’s Gateway to Global Trade,” will be graced by Shri Jayrambhai Chemabhai Gamit, Hon’ble Minister of State, Government of Gujarat, as Chief Guest. The session will also witness the presence of senior dignitaries as Guest of Honor and Special Guests including:
Capt. Santoshkumar Darokar, Joint Director General (Technical), Directorate General of Shipping, Government of India
Shri Shiv Kumar Sharma, IRS, Principal Commissioner of Customs, Ahmedabad
Prof. (Dr.) S. Shanthakumar, Provost, Gujarat Maritime University
Shri Devang Joshi, Chairman, Ahmedabad Customs Brokers’ Association
Dr. Mangla Chouhan, Vice President, Baroda Management Association
The session will set the tone for discussions around port-led development, trade facilitation, multimodal infrastructure, and Gujarat’s growing global maritime influence.
Insightful Panel Deliberations
The Summit features three high-impact panel sessions:
Panel I: Ports of the Future – Infrastructure, Investment & Global Integration
Moderated by Shri Amit Oza, Founder CEO, Astramar Shipping & Trading Services, the session includes senior leaders from Deendayal Port Authority, Adani Logistics, Gujarat Maritime University, and Worldspace Industrial & Logistics Park, focusing on smart port infrastructure, sustainable investments, and global integration strategies.
Panel II: Next-Gen Logistics – Building Efficient Hinterland Connectivity
Moderated by Dr. (Prof.) Debjit Roy, IIM Ahmedabad, the session brings together senior officials from Indian Railways, DFCCIL, Adani Logistics, CONCOR, and industry experts to discuss multimodal connectivity, Dedicated Freight Corridors, ICDs, and technology-driven logistics transformation.
Panel III: Global Trade Winds – EXIM Strategy, Policy & Supply Chain Realignment
Moderated by Dr. Darshan Mashroo, Director & COO, EPT Global Logistics, the session features senior representatives from DGFT, FIEO, MSME-DI, Gujarat Maritime University, leading exporters, trade advisors, and policy specialists to examine evolving trade frameworks, export promotion strategies, and supply chain resilience.
The Summit is powered by leading industry stakeholders including Adani Ports & Logistics, with participation from prominent logistics, port, ICD, rail, warehousing, AI, and trade advisory organizations, reflecting strong public-private collaboration.
Bumper Response from Trade Fraternity
The event has received an overwhelming registration response from exporters, customs brokers, freight forwarders, shipping lines, ICD operators, railway officials, policymakers, academicians and logistics entrepreneurs from across Gujarat and neighbouring regions.
The enthusiastic participation underscores the growing relevance of Gujarat as a strategic hub in India’s maritime and logistics transformation journey aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
Celebrating Excellence: Gujarat SMILE Awards 2026
A key highlight of the Summit will be the prestigious Gujarat SMILE Awards 2026 (Shipping, Maritime, Infrastructure, Logistics & Export Excellence Awards), instituted to recognize outstanding contribution and leadership in the Maritime, Logistics, Infrastructure, and Export-Import Trade. The Awards honour organizations and individuals who have demonstrated innovation, operational excellence, sustainability, trade facilitation, and impactful industry leadership. Gujarat SMILE Awards aim to celebrate the changemakers who are strengthening Gujarat’s position as India’s global trade gateway.
