ASSOCHAM’s India Business Reform Summit 2026: The Measurable Outcomes for Viksit Bharat
The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) successfully convened the India Business Reform Summit 2026 on May 19, 2026, in New Delhi, bringing together policymakers, senior bureaucrats, center-state government representatives, and industry leaders under the theme “Advancing Ease of Doing Business for Investment, Competitiveness and Global Integration.” The summit marked a critical juncture in India’s economic journey, focusing on the essential transition from reform intent to reform outcomes as the country advances towards becoming a developed economy by 2047. Over the past decade, India has undertaken significant reforms to simplify regulatory processes, reduce compliance burden, digitize approvals, and strengthen investor facilitation, but as the nation advances towards becoming a globally competitive manufacturing hub and preferred investment destination, the next phase must focus on implementation efficiency, policy predictability, and measurable outcomes.Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal delivered the keynote address as chief guest, urging Indian businesses to turn current global economic uncertainties into opportunities for growth rather than panicking over the situation. “India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have never let a crisis go by, and the situation in the world is truly an opportunity, a moment of uncertainty that we should engage more deeply with,” Goyal remarked at the summit. “Find ways to strengthen our business processes and prepare ourselves for these uncertain times for a brighter and better future.” His address set the tone for deliberations that would explore how India could leverage global challenges to strengthen business processes, undertake faster reforms, build greater resilience, and fortify supply chains.From Reform Intent to Execution: The Next Phase of India’s Business TransformationThe summit’s core deliberations centered on moving from reform intent to execution efficiency, supply chain resilience, and making India a globally competitive manufacturing hub. In the context of evolving global supply chains, increasing private sector participation, and growing emphasis on manufacturing and MSME development, the summit provided a platform to discuss key priorities for strengthening India’s business ecosystem. The discussions highlighted the importance of strengthening Center-State cooperation for consistent policy execution and showcasing state-level investment facilitation, recognizing that successful implementation requires coordinated efforts across all levels of government.Despite global challenges such as tariffs, the Ukraine conflict, and the West Asia crisis, India’s exports reached an all-time high of USD 863 billion last fiscal year, with growth recorded in both merchandise and services exports. Minister Goyal pointed to this achievement as proof that Indian businesses could thrive even amid global turbulence. “The present global situation and geopolitical uncertainties should be viewed as an opportunity for India to strengthen business processes, undertake faster reforms, build greater resilience, and strengthen supply chains,” he emphasized. Free trade agreements finalized by India are opening doors for greater engagement, which needs to be leveraged for attracting investments and increasing exports rather than allowing imports alone to rise.MSME Empowerment: Simplifying Compliance and Enabling GrowthA significant focus of the summit was placed on targeted interventions to reduce the compliance burden on micro, small, and medium enterprises, which form the backbone of India’s economy. The final panel discussion brought together perspectives on strengthening enterprise growth, faster execution, and competitiveness across MSMEs and services-led sectors. Chaired by Smt. Mercy Epao, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Government of India, the session focused on simplified compliance frameworks, improved access to credit, stronger value chain integration, regulatory efficiency, and reforms needed to help businesses scale with greater confidence.The discussion reinforced the need for a more agile and enabling business environment that supports India’s enterprise ecosystem in its journey towards Viksit Bharat. Speaking on suggestions received during discussions with industry representatives, Minister Goyal said the government is examining the possibility of establishing a single body at industrial parks to function as a one-stop shop for all central and state approvals. This initiative, part of the “Bhavya” program for developing 100 new industrial parks with centralized clearance bodies, aims to drastically reduce the time and complexity involved in obtaining multiple approvals from different agencies.Digital Integration and One-Stop Service CentersMinister Goyal highlighted that lessons learned during the COVID period had demonstrated the effectiveness of digital engagement and remote working models. “In such a situation, we do not need to panic,” he said, adding that the West Asia crisis and emerging technologies like AI bring opportunities for the Indian industry to seize. The ministry, which has 482 offices across 216 cities under 46 organizations, is working towards consolidating operations into single-point contact centers in state capitals and major cities. This would enable businesses to access services related to organizations such as DGFT, Coffee Board, Spices Board, GeM, and other bodies through integrated and digitally connected systems.Goyal urged greater engagement from the private sector in improving government systems, while expressing concern that the national single-window system had not received adequate participation and feedback from the industry. He called upon businesses to work with the government in identifying specific pain points and improving the ease of doing business through collaborative efforts. India is now targeting exports worth USD 1 trillion, and exporters should proactively leverage upcoming FTAs by exploring new markets, conducting sampling and trial orders, and increasing global engagement even before the agreements formally come into effect.Global Opportunities Amid Uncertainty: AI, Manufacturing, and Supply Chain ResilienceThe minister urged the industry to adopt greater efficiency and reduce waste by learning from global best practices, including Japanese manufacturing systems. Referring to emerging technologies, Goyal noted that AI brings significant opportunities for the Indian industry to seize, particularly in manufacturing optimization, supply chain management, and predictive analytics. The summit brought together eminent speakers from government, industry, and leading institutions to share insights on accelerating investment, enhancing competitiveness, and improving ease of operating businesses in India.Manufacturing transformation, state-led investment facilitation, and enabling MSMEs through simplified regulatory frameworks and improved access to opportunities emerged as key priorities during the deliberations. The discussions recognized that India’s demographic dividend, combined with improving infrastructure and digital infrastructure, positions the country uniquely to benefit from global supply chain diversification as multinational corporations seek to reduce dependency on single-source manufacturing hubs.A
Skye Air Launches Drone and Robot Deliveries in Gurugram: A New Era for Fast Local Shipping
Skye Air Mobility, a drone delivery company based in Gurugram, has started a new service. They now deliver packages right to people’s doorsteps using drones and smart robots powered by artificial intelligence. This big step forward in fast local deliveries was announced at the AI Impact Summit. The summit happened recently in New Delhi. Ankit Kumar is the Founder and CEO of Skye Air. He shared details about this exciting change. The company has already done a lot with drones. Now they add robots to make deliveries even smoother and greener.How the New Delivery System Works Step by StepThe system starts with Skye Air’s special hubs called Skye Ports. These are like local delivery stations for hyperlocal areas. Drones pick up packages from these ports and fly them to the right spot. They land at smart mailboxes called Arrive Points. These mailboxes go in housing societies, apartment complexes, or office buildings. Everything happens automatically with no people needed in between.Once the drone drops the package in the Arrive Point, a robot takes over. The robot is an autonomous rover made by a US company called Autonomy. It picks up the package and drives it straight to the customer’s door. The customer just enters a simple OTP code on the rover. The door opens, and they get their shipment safely. This whole process cuts out traffic jams, saves time, and keeps things secure. No human hands touch the package after the drone drops it off. It works perfectly in busy cities like Gurugram where streets get crowded fast.Impressive Past Success and Green ImpactSkye Air has a strong track record already. Over the last two and a half years, they completed nearly 3.6 million drone deliveries. This huge number shows their experience in the field. Best of all, these flights saved over 1,000 tons of carbon emissions. That means less pollution compared to cars or bikes making the same trips. Ankit Kumar explained this at the summit. He said they connected their drone ports with physical AI setups for the first time. This mix of air and ground tech makes deliveries faster and better for the planet.The company tested drones in hilly areas and cities before. Now they bring it all together in Gurugram. This home base will test the full system before going bigger.Key Partnerships with US Tech CompaniesSkye Air teamed up with three American companies to make this possible. First is Arrive AI. This firm trades on the NASDAQ stock market. They make the Arrive Point smart mailboxes. Skye Air installs these in buildings. Drones drop packages there safely.The second partner helps with last-mile tech. The third is Autonomy. They built the smart rovers that roll from the mailbox to your door. Ankit Kumar announced these deals at the AI Impact Summit. These partnerships bring top global tech to India. They create a full automatic chain from drone to doorstep.Plans to Grow Big Across India and the WorldGurugram is just the starting point. Ankit Kumar sees it as the perfect launchpad. The city has tall buildings, traffic, and tech-savvy people. It tests the system in real urban challenges. Soon, they plan to cover every part of Gurugram. After that, expansion hits other Indian cities.India leads the way here. Ankit noted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s words on AI growth. India laid the foundation first in the world for this kind of delivery. They want to perfect it locally before going national. The final goal is global reach. This could change how packages arrive everywhere from Delhi to Dubai.Prime Minister Modi praised the AI Impact Summit on social media. He said the world admires India’s tech skills. The event ended with the New Delhi Declaration on AI Impact. Eighty-eight countries and groups signed it. It focuses on using AI for jobs and better lives.Why This Matters for Gurugram and IndiaGurugram buzzes with offices, homes, and shops. Fast deliveries matter a lot here. Drones skip roads and fly straight. Robots handle the last few steps without getting stuck. Customers get parcels quicker and safer. Businesses save money on fuel and drivers. The environment wins too with less carbon.This fits India’s big push into drones and AI. Rules now allow more drone use. Companies like Skye Air lead innovation. They turn ideas into real services. Local jobs grow in tech and operations. Soon, anyone in Gurugram can order food, medicine, or goods and see a drone overhead.Skye Air proves India innovates at world speed. From 3.6 million deliveries to robot doorsteps, they set the pace. Watch for drones in your sky soon. The future of shopping arrives one package at a time.
Indian Startups at CES 2026: Homegrown Innovation Takes Global Spotlight in Las Vegas
Indian startups and technology firms significantly expanded their presence at CES 2026 — the world’s largest technology showcase held in Las Vegas from January 6 to 9, 2026 — reflecting the country’s evolving tech ambitions and increasing global competitiveness. The annual event, organised by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), attracted more than 4,100 exhibitors from around 150 countries, underscoring its role as a launchpad for next-generation innovations spanning artificial intelligence (AI), digital health, robotics, mobility, enterprise technology and immersive entertainment.According to CTA executives, Indian participation has steadily grown, with a broader range of startups and established firms using the platform to showcase their products, engage with global partners and position themselves for international expansion. Indian delegations this year included innovators from healthtech, wearables, robotics and automotive systems, signalling the ecosystem’s transition from domestic focus to global impact.Ultrahuman: Metabolic Health and WearablesOne of the headline Indian participants at CES 2026 was Ultrahuman, a Bengaluru-based health technology firm co-founded by Mohit Kumar, Vinay Bhargava and Vatsal Singhal. The company displayed its suite of wearable health devices and preventive care platforms, including what it bills as the world’s lightest sleep-tracking wearable, a continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system and a preventive blood testing solution designed to empower users with metabolic insights. Ultrahuman’s presence marked India’s growing footprint in consumer health tech at global forums.Noise: Smart Wearables Designed for Global MarketsNoise, headquartered in Gurugram and led by founders Amit Khatri and Gaurav Khatri, was another major Indian exhibitor. The company, recognised as one of the third-largest smartwatch brands in the world, showcased its latest wearable technologies at CES, emphasising advanced health metrics, design innovation and global compatibility. Noise’s participation highlighted India’s emergence not only as a producer of affordable wearables but as a designer and manufacturer capable of competing with established global brands.“We are proud to come here and compete on a world stage,” said Hamish Patel, Vice President – Product Devices at Noise, noting that the company’s R&D and manufacturing are largely based in India, enabling it to present products that match global benchmarks.aabo: MedTech InnovationsAmong the Indian startups at CES 2026 was aabo, a MedTech firm focused on AI-driven health solutions. Although not a household name, its technology emphasises the intersection of machine intelligence and healthcare delivery, an area of rising relevance as global health systems integrate data-led diagnostics and monitoring. The specifics of aabo’s product suite were highlighted among Indian exhibitors but details on founders and product characteristics are linked to its positioning as a healthtech innovator on the CES show floor.ArvyaX Technologies: Robotics and Pseudo-RealityArvyaX Technologies, founded by Shalabh Bhatnagar, showcased its robotics and pseudo-reality solutions at CES’s Eureka Park — an innovation zone dedicated to emerging startups. The Bhopal-based firm has developed technologies that blend digital and physical environments, targeting enterprise sectors such as industrial training, simulation and collaborative experiences. Shalabh Bhatnagar described participating at CES as a moment of pride, emphasising that ArvyaX’s innovations were both made and innovated in India, reflecting the nation’s rising capabilities in robotics and immersive technologies.Sona Comstar: Automotive Technology and EV SystemsThe automotive technology company Sona Comstar was another Indian participant at CES 2026, presenting its advanced electric vehicle (EV) components and systems. With a strong focus on R&D in high-power density EV motors, differential assemblies and lightweight drivetrain systems, Sona Comstar’s technology underscores India’s potential in automotive core technology development and global mobility solutions. The company’s products cater to modern EV performance requirements and highlight a broader shift toward electrification and smart mobility.Zoondia and Industry CollaborationsIn addition to standalone startups, Indian participation included Zoondia, a global technology partner offering enterprise solutions and services. Though not a startup in the strictest sense, Zoondia’s presence further reflects the breadth of Indian engagement at CES, spanning early-stage innovation to established tech services with global delivery capabilities.The Significance of Indian ParticipationExecutives at CES 2026 noted that India’s presence was broader and deeper than in previous years, building on momentum from the first dedicated Indian pavilion introduced on the CES show floor in 2024. This year’s participation spanned startups, industry bodies such as the CMAI Association of India, and firms showcasing products that compete with global innovations rather than just representing emerging market offerings.Industry observers have highlighted several key implications of India’s growing CES footprint:Global Visibility: Participation at CES elevates Indian startups to international buyers, investors and collaborators, helping them secure partnerships, pilot projects and market entry opportunities.Innovation Credibility: Demonstrating products at a major global venue signals maturity and readiness to compete on performance and design quality.Ecosystem Confidence: The increasing number of Indian participants reflects confidence among founders and investors in showcasing innovations on a global stage.Cross-Sector Representation: Startups at CES 2026 represented health tech, wearables, robotics and automotive systems, indicating that India’s startup ecosystem is diversifying beyond software into deep tech and hardware innovation.What This Means for India’s Startup EcosystemThe rising participation of Indian startups at CES 2026 comes at a time when the country’s broader startup ecosystem is experiencing structural shifts. India is now recognised as one of the largest startup ecosystems globally, with a growing emphasis on deep tech, AI, robotics and hardware innovation rather than only digital services. Initiatives such as startup support missions, increased R&D investment and industry collaborations are catalysing this transformation, enabling more Indian founders to engage in global innovation discourse and market expansion.Indian founders and CEOs attending CES emphasised that events like CES are not merely showcases but strategic platforms for networking, validation, investment engagement and collaboration, helping elevate India’s technology brands to global audiences and potential customers.Looking ForwardAs CES continues to be a global stage for breakthrough technologies, the increasing presence of Indian startups at CES 2026 reflects a broader narrative of India’s evolution from a predominantly software and services economy to a hardware and deep-tech innovator on the world stage. With continued participation in global technology showcases, Indian founders aim to build enduring technology brands that are recognised not only domestically but across markets in North America, Europe and Asia.The momentum generated at CES 2026 is expected