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Business Standard
3 days ago
- Business
- Business Standard
iKargos.com Doubles Revenue to ₹100 Crore, Defies Funding Winter with Profitable Growth
PNN New Delhi [India], June 6: Amidst a challenging funding climate for startups, a largely bootstrapped digital logistics platform, has achieved a significant milestone, doubling its revenue from ₹50 crore last fiscal to ₹100 crore this year. Founded in 2020 by Rekha Atri, set out to digitize international logistics. Today, it stands as a comprehensive cross-border supply chain platform, streamlining global shipping with transparency and cost-effectiveness. "Logistics is notoriously complex, often involving over 20 entities just to move a single shipment," says Rekha Atri. "For frequent importers and exporters, managing multiple shipments can be overwhelming. Our platform consolidates everything into one user-friendly dashboard, allowing customers to oversee their entire supply chain online. As the only fully integrated provider offering all services in-house, we deliver a seamless, end-to-end experience." Sustained, Profitable Growth growth story is remarkable, not only has it matched the pace of well-funded startups, but it has done so profitably. The company has grown at an impressive 300% annually for five consecutive years, breaking even in its second year and maintaining profitability ever since. After an initial seed round from GAIL, has operated without further external funding, relying on operational excellence and technology-driven solutions. Co-founder Prashant Dwivedi, an IIM Calcutta alumnus and logistics PhD scholar, is optimistic about the future. "These numbers are just the beginning. In a globalized world, logistics is the backbone of every business, whether it's Amazon or Zomato, their edge is swift delivery. As price differences shrink, logistics becomes the key differentiator. Take Apple's air-shipping of iPhones to the US to avoid tariffs, such moves save millions. That's the power of logistics." He adds, "The global logistics industry was valued at $10.5 trillion in 2024 and is projected to reach $15.8 trillion by 2030. As businesses move online, logistics enables seamless delivery and drives growth. Giants like Amazon and Walmart are investing heavily in logistics, and the sector is poised for phenomenal expansion." This year, introduced Strategic Sourcing as a new service line, tapping into its deep expertise in the EXIM market. "We're seeing strong traction in this vertical and believe it holds immense potential," Prashant notes. Riding the Wave of Government Reforms India's logistics sector is undergoing transformation, spurred by government initiatives like the National Logistics Policy (NLP), launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in September 2022. The NLP aims to reduce logistics costs from 13-14% to global standards, enhancing the competitiveness of Indian products domestically and internationally. The policy targets a reduction in logistics costs to 8% of GDP by 2030. The Indian logistics market is projected to reach $215 billion in the next two years, up from $160 billion, with a CAGR of 10.5% through 2025 (ICRA). The sector employs over 22 million people, a number expected to grow by 5% annually with ongoing skill development initiatives. is well-positioned to benefit from this policy push and the sector's robust growth trajectory. Expanding Market Presence With offices at all major Indian ports, 18+ domestic locations, and an international base in the UAE, boasts a vast network. Its agent partnerships enable delivery to 158 countries, including the USA, Europe, Asia, and Africa. The company serves over 500 clients, ranging from industry leaders to emerging businesses - and handles more than 3,000 commodities, from food and electronics to apparel and packaging. Even established international logistics firms are partnering with to leverage its seamless digital infrastructure. Comprehensive Service Portfolio offers a full suite of services: Strategic Sourcing, Air and Sea Freight, Customs Clearance, HS Code Search, Certification, Product Compliance, Warehousing, Inland Transportation, First and Last Mile Delivery, Cargo Insurance, Online Tracking, Supply Chain Consulting, Reporting & Analytics, and Survey & Inspection. This all-in-one approach allows clients to manage their entire cross-border logistics process effortlessly. Investor Confidence Serial entrepreneur and early investor Praveen Sinha expresses strong confidence in the company's trajectory: "When I backed I believed in the founders and the industry's potential. Prashant is a visionary with deep domain expertise. I wouldn't be surprised if becomes a unicorn in the coming years." About Founded in 2020, is a next-generation LogTech company revolutionizing cross-border logistics with technology, transparency, and a customer-first approach. With a growing global footprint and a robust, integrated service model, is redefining how businesses manage international supply chains.


Economic Times
5 days ago
- Business
- Economic Times
India's FDI Rise: A decade of decisive growth and global confidence
Over the past decade, India hasn't just attracted foreign capital—it has rewritten the global FDI playbook. From a hesitant reformer to a strategic magnet for investment, the India story has changed dramatically post-2014. The numbers tell a compelling story: from 2004 to 2014, India saw FDI equity inflows of $208 billion. In the years since, over $500 billion has come in—with $300 billion of that between 2019 and 2024 alone. Despite global slowdowns, India secured $40.67 billion in FDI in just the April–December 2024 period. That's not a trickle—it's a tidal shift in global confidence. This isn't coincidental. The government's relentless focus on "Minimum Government, Maximum Governance" and its flagship reforms—Make in India, Startup India, Digital India, the GST rollout, and the National Logistics Policy—have not only improved ease of doing business but dramatically enhanced India's appeal. Climbing from a World Bank rank of over 140 in 2014 to 63 in 2019 reflected this shift. But beyond rankings, the real proof lies in the sectors that have exploded with foreign interest. Also Read: No changes in FDI policy for Pakistan, China and other countries sharing land border with India: SourcesIndia's digital economy has been a clear winner, with computer software and hardware pulling in $95 billion in FDI since 2014. Services—ranging from finance and IT to R&D and consultancy—attracted another $77 billion. This signals that India isn't just a back office anymore—it's a global innovation partner. But here's where the real story lies: the resurgence of manufacturing. In 2014, 75–80% of India's smartphones were imported. Today, that number has flipped. Thanks to the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, global giants like Apple, through Foxconn and Wistron, are now assembling iPhones in India. Smartphone exports have surged to $21 billion. A decade ago, they were negligible. Even Donald Trump took notice. FDI into manufacturing—auto, construction equipment, and pharmaceuticals—shows India's strategic shift from service-led to balanced, broad-based growth. And every dollar of FDI isn't just capital—it's job creation, supply chain expansion, and tech transfer. It fuels the MSME ecosystem, scales 'zero defect, zero effect' manufacturing, and lifts Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities into the investment investors have also aligned with India's green ambitions. From renewable energy to electric mobility, India is fast becoming a core node in the global clean-tech value chain. Tesla, Hyundai, ReNew Power, and Adani Green—all are either here or expanding. Foreign capital is now enabling not just growth, but sustainable, future-facing like Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat and Karnataka still lead, but look closer—Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, and Haryana are gaining ground through industrial policy reform, infrastructure readiness, and aggressive investment outreach. The centre's policies are powerful, but when combined with sub-national reforms, they are India has leveraged global supply chain diversification like few others. As companies diversify away from China under 'China Plus One,' India has emerged as a stable, democratic, scalable alternative. The India-UAE CEPA, India-Australia ECTA, and FTAs with the UK, EU, and EFTA nations are opening new high-value channels—green hydrogen, EVs, fintech, and Vietnam and Indonesia are real competitors. But India brings a unique mix—scale, stability, skills, and a massive domestic market. With reforms in land acquisition, judicial efficiency, and infrastructure investment deepening, India's ability to anchor global value chains will only grow FDI trajectory since 2014 reflects more than just capital inflow—it signals global endorsement of India's structural shift. The combination of scale, reform, digital depth, and manufacturing intent is hard to match. As global supply chains realign, India stands not as an alternative, but as a priority. The playbook has changed—from pitching potential to executing at scale. The coming decade won't be about catching up; it will be about leading.


Time of India
5 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
India's FDI Rise: A decade of decisive growth and global confidence
Over the past decade, India hasn't just attracted foreign capital—it has rewritten the global FDI playbook. From a hesitant reformer to a strategic magnet for investment, the India story has changed dramatically post-2014. The numbers tell a compelling story: from 2004 to 2014, India saw FDI equity inflows of $208 billion. In the years since, over $500 billion has come in—with $300 billion of that between 2019 and 2024 alone. Despite global slowdowns, India secured $40.67 billion in FDI in just the April–December 2024 period. That's not a trickle—it's a tidal shift in global confidence. This isn't coincidental. The government's relentless focus on "Minimum Government, Maximum Governance" and its flagship reforms—Make in India, Startup India , Digital India, the GST rollout, and the National Logistics Policy—have not only improved ease of doing business but dramatically enhanced India's appeal. Climbing from a World Bank rank of over 140 in 2014 to 63 in 2019 reflected this shift. But beyond rankings, the real proof lies in the sectors that have exploded with foreign interest. Also Read: No changes in FDI policy for Pakistan, China and other countries sharing land border with India: Sources by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo The sectoral upswing India's digital economy has been a clear winner, with computer software and hardware pulling in $95 billion in FDI since 2014. Services—ranging from finance and IT to R&D and consultancy—attracted another $77 billion. This signals that India isn't just a back office anymore—it's a global innovation partner. Live Events But here's where the real story lies: the resurgence of manufacturing. In 2014, 75–80% of India's smartphones were imported. Today, that number has flipped. Thanks to the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, global giants like Apple, through Foxconn and Wistron, are now assembling iPhones in India. Smartphone exports have surged to $21 billion. A decade ago, they were negligible. Even Donald Trump took notice. FDI into manufacturing—auto, construction equipment, and pharmaceuticals—shows India's strategic shift from service-led to balanced, broad-based growth. And every dollar of FDI isn't just capital—it's job creation, supply chain expansion, and tech transfer. It fuels the MSME ecosystem, scales 'zero defect, zero effect' manufacturing, and lifts Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities into the investment spotlight. Clean, green and strategic Foreign investors have also aligned with India's green ambitions. From renewable energy to electric mobility, India is fast becoming a core node in the global clean-tech value chain. Tesla, Hyundai, ReNew Power, and Adani Green—all are either here or expanding. Foreign capital is now enabling not just growth, but sustainable, future-facing growth. FDI geography is evolving too States like Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat and Karnataka still lead, but look closer—Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, and Haryana are gaining ground through industrial policy reform, infrastructure readiness, and aggressive investment outreach. The centre's policies are powerful, but when combined with sub-national reforms, they are transformative. Geopolitically, India has leveraged global supply chain diversification like few others. As companies diversify away from China under 'China Plus One,' India has emerged as a stable, democratic, scalable alternative. The India-UAE CEPA, India-Australia ECTA, and FTAs with the UK, EU, and EFTA nations are opening new high-value channels—green hydrogen, EVs, fintech, and beyond. Yes, Vietnam and Indonesia are real competitors. But India brings a unique mix—scale, stability, skills, and a massive domestic market. With reforms in land acquisition, judicial efficiency, and infrastructure investment deepening, India's ability to anchor global value chains will only grow stronger. India's FDI trajectory since 2014 reflects more than just capital inflow—it signals global endorsement of India's structural shift. The combination of scale, reform, digital depth, and manufacturing intent is hard to match. As global supply chains realign, India stands not as an alternative, but as a priority. The playbook has changed—from pitching potential to executing at scale. The coming decade won't be about catching up; it will be about leading.


India Gazette
17-05-2025
- Business
- India Gazette
Brazil: Union Minister Manohar Lal to participate in BRICS Energy Ministers meeting
New Delhi [India], May 17 (ANI): Union Minister of Power, Housing and Urban Affairs, Manohar Lal, has embarked on an official visit to Brazil to attend the BRICS Energy Ministers' Meeting scheduled for May 19, according to a statement by the Ministry of Power on Saturday. As per the statement, the theme is 'Empowering Global South Cooperation for Inclusive and Sustainable Global Governance,' under which the Minister will engage in discussions with Energy Ministers of BRICS nations on crucial issues such as energy security, accessibility, affordability, and sustainability. Ministry of Power noted that India, in this meeting, will showcase its achievements over the past decade, including a 90 per cent increase in power capacity, leadership in renewable energy, green hydrogen, and biofuels, as well as innovations and sustainable development in the energy sector. The country will also reaffirm its commitment to ensuring equitable access to energy and accelerating the energy transition. Notably, this visit underscores India's determination to actively collaborate with BRICS nations in building a robust, future-oriented, and sustainable energy sector. Earlier on Wednesday, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari had represented India at the BRICS Transport Ministers' Meet in Brasilia, Brazil, articulating India's commitment to building a sustainable, resilient, and future-ready transport infrastructure. The Minister of Road Transport and Highways also shared a video on X and wrote, 'Represented India at the BRICS Transport Ministers' Meet in Brasilia -- driving the vision for a sustainable, resilient, and future-ready transport ecosystem.' Emphasising India's progress under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Gadkari highlighted flagship initiatives such as PM GatiShakti, the National Logistics Policy, Bharatmala, and Sagarmala--programmes that reflect India's commitment to creating an integrated and future-ready transport ecosystem that drives inclusive growth and strengthens regional connectivity. Sharing a post on X, Gadkari wrote, 'Honoured to represent India at the BRICS Transport Ministers' Meeting in Brasilia, where India's vision for sustainable, resilient, and multimodal transport infrastructure was shared with global partners. The discussion highlighted key transformative initiatives spearheaded under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi Ji, including PM GatiShakti, the National Logistics Policy, Bharatmala, and Sagarmala.' The post added, 'These flagship programmes reflect India's commitment to building an integrated, future-ready transport ecosystem that drives inclusive growth and regional connectivity.' (ANI)


India Gazette
17-05-2025
- Business
- India Gazette
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari interacts with Indian diaspora in Brazil
Sao Paulo [Brazil], May 17 (ANI): Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, engaged with the vibrant Indian diaspora community in Sao Paulo, Brazil, highlighting India's growing stature on the global stage, marked by robust economic growth, rapid infrastructure development, and strengthening international partnerships, according to a statement shared from Nitin Gadkari Office. During the interaction, he emphasised the vast investment and innovation opportunities in India, particularly in biofuels, green hydrogen, clean energy, and flex-fuel mobility. He lauded the community's deep-rooted cultural values and their vital role in advancing India-Brazil ties through innovation, agri-business, energy, and digital collaboration. Calling India a 'land of opportunities,' Gadkari invited the global Indian Diaspora to explore, invest, and partner in building a sustainable and prosperous future. The details of his interaction were also shared on X. Earlier on Wednesday, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari had represented India at the BRICS Transport Ministers' Meet in Brasilia, Brazil, articulating India's commitment to building a sustainable, resilient, and future-ready transport infrastructure. The Minister of Road Transport and Highways also shared a video on X and wrote, 'Represented India at the BRICS Transport Ministers' Meet in Brasilia -- driving the vision for a sustainable, resilient, and future-ready transport ecosystem.' Emphasising India's progress under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Gadkari highlighted flagship initiatives such as PM GatiShakti, the National Logistics Policy, Bharatmala, and Sagarmala--programmes that reflect India's commitment to creating an integrated and future-ready transport ecosystem that drives inclusive growth and strengthens regional connectivity. Sharing a post on X, Gadkari wrote, 'Honoured to represent India at the BRICS Transport Ministers' Meeting in Brasilia, where India's vision for sustainable, resilient, and multimodal transport infrastructure was shared with global partners. The discussion highlighted key transformative initiatives spearheaded under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi Ji, including PM GatiShakti, the National Logistics Policy, Bharatmala, and Sagarmala.' The post added, 'These flagship programmes reflect India's commitment to building an integrated, future-ready transport ecosystem that drives inclusive growth and regional connectivity.' (ANI)