India’s future growth will be driven by blend of conventional and new commodities, especially those tied to technological advancements, sustainability and demographic changes. Sectors such as pharmaceuticals, renewable energy, electric vehicles, digital technologies and sustainable agriculture are likely to see significant growth soon.
Ritika Arora Bhola
With government support and active state-wise industry participation, Indian logistics sector has entered an era of optimism and growth. Initiatives such as Prime Minister Gati Shakti, National Logistics Policy, Make in India and Self-Reliant India have played a crucial role in enhancing overall logistics performance, attracting foreign investors and showcasing the country as a potential trade and investment destination.
Several foreign manufacturers, forwarders, aircraft manufacturers such as Airbus and Boeing have opened their facilities in India in the past few years. India’s economic growth is driven by several commodities, aligned with global trends, technological advancements and domestic needs. E-commerce, pharma and energy sectors have witnessed surge in demand in the past three to four years and contributed to the growth.
As per experts, industries such as pharma, perishables, EV components, renewable energy materials such as lithium and cobalt, are essential for EVs, clean energy, renewable energy resources and technologies such as semiconductors, will play a vital role in fuelling India’s growth. As the country shifts towards sustainable energy, electrification of transport and digital transformation, these emerging sectors will drive innovation and economic expansion.
Commodities tied to infrastructure, healthcare and farm sectors will ensure a resilient growth trajectory, positioning India as a global leader in various industries, while meeting the needs of its growing population. PPPs are driving infra development, while policies such as subsidies, tax incentives, and ESG mandates are shaping a future-ready commodities market. These futuristic investments ensure long-term growth, energy security, and economic stability in a rapidly evolving global eco-system.
The Union Budget 2025-26 focused upon establishing Exports Promotion Council to boost exports and promised over `11 lakh crore investment in infrastructure. The announcements will certainly boost cargo domestically and globally. Standardisation is a must, considering the logistics sector’s unorganised nature; it is important to have exporter friendly policies and regulatory reforms in place for encouraging them to achieve optimal productivity in maximising exports. We expect the govt. to drive regulatory reforms through the PMGS and NLP to establish a global standard air logistics ecosystem as the PMGS focuses on infra development, pivotal in modernising transportation networks. The government needs to investigate upgradation and modernisation of the airports located in the satellite towns to derive strategic advantages by the exporters.
CARGOTALK speaks to experts to know in-depth about the current trade, govt. initiatives to enhance production and transportation capabilities and efficiencies and commodities which will drive growth soon.
Pharma to drive growth in cold chain logistics
Ayesha Katgara, Head, Corporate Strategy Jeena & Co
I believe commodities needing specialised transportation will play a vital role in economic growth, such as lithium, aluminium, and zinc. These are a must for new AI-enabled, tech-driven world and its shift toward pollution-free mobility. Agri products, such as grains and oilseeds cater to the food and dietary demands of a growing global population. Pharmaceuticals such as vaccines and biologics will drive growth in cold chain logistics. Green hydrogen, from a sustainability perspective, is likely to play a vital role in enhancing efficiency within the logistics industry.”
E-commerce pushes demand for rapid logistics
Kritika Seth, Head, Business Development Allied Aviation
Global trade is shifting, and certain commodities will play a key role in economic growth. Pharmaceuticals are in high demand, with new biotech developments and rising healthcare needs. Renewable energy materials such as lithium and cobalt are essential for EVs and clean energy. Agri-tech and perishables are also growing as food security becomes a global priority. Semiconductors and electronics continue to drive the digital economy. The governments and industries are making big moves to ensure long-term trade growth.”
Regulatory support for sustainable practices
Kavitha Suresh, AGM, Crown Workspace & Warehousing
As the world focuses on sustainability and improving environmental conditions, use of EVs is expected to rise. Products essential for EV production, such as lithium batteries, cobalt, and copper, will experience growth due to need for sustainable solutions. With the evolution of AI, AI-based hardware such as robots will become prevalent in manufacturing sectors to automate production processes. Govts. and industries focus on 4Is—information, insight, influence and impact—before making investments. Regulatory support to promote sustainable practices play a vital role in ensuring growth.”
Green hydrogen to change energy landscape
Sharmila Amin, Managing Director, South Asia India, Bertling Logistics India
The future of global trade will be shaped by emerging commodities such as lithium, cobalt, rare earth elements, hydrogen, and sustainable biofuels. These resources are vital for energy transition, EVs, and advanced technology sectors. Green hydrogen and ammonia are set to transform the energy landscape, while plant-based proteins and precision-fermented foods will redefine global food systems. Many nations are implementing mineral security strategies, incentivising domestic mining and processing to reduce dependence on single-source suppliers.”
Emerging markets make 65% of economic growth
Chaitaly Mehta, Director, EKF Global Logistics
Considering the geopolitical situations, rare earth minerals, critical minerals and semiconductors will be the markets controlling emerging products. It will play a vital role in shaping global economy. They are expected to bring 65 per cent of global economic growth by 2035, with nine emerging markets ranking amongst the 20 largest economies. From industry point of view, they would have to invest in R&D, tech and diversify to take advantage of the products in their region, understand trade shifts and probe resilient initiatives.”
Shift towards products supporting renewable energy
Alpana Chaturvedi, CEO, My Logistics Gurukul
There is a shift towards commodities that support renewable energy production. The demand for EVs, electronics, lithium, cobalt and nickle is increasing. Green hydrogen is emerging as an energy solution, replacing fossil fuels in transport, power generation, and heavy industries. The govt. has launched a Critical Mineral Mission in 2025 to produce cobalt, nickel and lithium and formed JVs to get expertise in developing critical minerals. The sustainable manufacturing’s future rests on biodegradable and smart materials.”
Capital spending to boost infrastructure
Reema Jogani, Director, Reema Transport
EV batteries, green hydrogen, rare metals, renewable energy components, and farm products will see phenomenal growth. The govt. will help small businesses by supporting them in increasing credit limits and making it easier to get funding. This will benefit MSMEs. Govt. has initiated BharatTradeNet and Export Promotion Mission, working to link manufacturers with global supply chains. These changes will require make bettere infra, supply chain management, and transportation tech. To sustain in new markets, firms need to innovate and use sustainable practices.”
More demand likely for farm products, biofeul
Smitha Shetty, Regional Director, APAC Achilles Information
The future of global growth hinges on a new generation of commodities. Beyond traditional staples, we see critical minerals taking centre stage. Lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements are essential for EVs, renewable energy systems, and advanced electronics. In the APAC region, with its burgeoning tech sector and focus on sustainability, these commodities become crucial. We anticipate more demand for sustainable farm products and advanced biofuels, driven by growing populations and the need for eco-friendly solutions. These commodities will fuel economic growth and shape a sustainable future.”
Sustainable biofuel to transform transportation
Purvi Sanghvi, Director, Axis Solutions
Lithium and rare earth metals dominate as demand for EVs and renewable energy surges, while green hydrogen emerges as a game changer for clean energy and industrial decarbonisation. Silicon, gallium, and germanium fuel AI, 5G, and automation, driving paradigm shifts in technology. Sustainable biofuels will revolutionise transportation, alter carbon footprint, and carbon credits will become an asset in the push toward net zero. These commodities will change the future of energy, industry, and sustainability, driving the next wave of global economic growth.”
