The 74th Indian Foundry Congress (IFC) alongside IFEX 2026 opened yesterday at the NESCO Exhibition Centre, Mumbai, marking one of the largest gatherings of the global metal-casting community. Organised by the Institute of Indian Foundrymen (IIF), the three-day event (February 12–14) has convened industry leaders, policymakers, technology innovators and manufacturers, underscoring Mumbai’s role as a strategic gateway to India’s fast-growing foundry landscape.
Representing over 4,000 member organisations through IIF’s extensive national network — including four regional offices, 24 chapters and four Centres of Excellence — the event highlights the scale and diversity of India’s casting ecosystem. Foundries, equipment manufacturers, raw material suppliers, academic institutions, consultants and buyers are engaging in technical deliberations, exhibitions and structured networking sessions aimed at driving sectoral transformation.
Valued at approximately USD 22 billion, the Indian foundry industry exported castings worth USD 4.31 billion, maintaining a healthy trade surplus. Grey iron castings account for 68% of production, while demand from automotive, railways, agriculture, aerospace, power generation and industrial machinery continues to sustain growth. Industry leaders emphasised increasing adoption of automation, advanced melting systems, simulation tools and additive manufacturing to improve efficiency and environmental compliance.
President of IIF for 2025–26, Sushil Sharma, noted that India’s foundry industry — the world’s second largest after China — remains integral to the country’s industrial expansion and self-reliance initiatives. With an annual output of 15.86 million metric tonnes in 2024–25 and a valuation of USD 22 billion, the sector supports critical industries and comprises nearly 5,000 units, 90% of which are MSMEs, employing over two million people. Exports stood at USD 4.31 billion during the period.
He further highlighted the industry’s transition toward cleaner and smarter operations, including automation, 3D printing and induction melting technologies. Backed by national initiatives such as Make in India and sustained infrastructure spending, the sector is targeting a valuation of USD 31.77 billion by 2029, driven by domestic EV growth and major infrastructure projects.
Amish Panchal, Chairman of the 74th IFC Organizing Committee and IIF Past President, said the congress reflects India’s evolution from a traditional production base to a technologically advanced casting hub. The programme features discussions on e-mobility, sustainability and next-generation manufacturing. Key attractions include ALUCONF 2026, a defence-focused Sindoor Session, the Melt & Match networking initiative, the India Foundry Forum for CEOs and a BRICS-focused technology session.
IFEX 2026 Chairman and IIF Past President Subodh Panchal announced that the exhibition spans more than 15,000 square metres and is expected to welcome around 20,000 visitors — the largest edition to date. The exhibition showcases advanced furnaces, Vision AI applications, industrial robotics, casting solutions and specialised services. Discussions also addressed ongoing challenges, including workforce skill gaps, environmental compliance requirements and fluctuations in raw material supply.
The technical and policy sessions cover emerging casting innovations, sustainability roadmaps and strategies to strengthen supply chains. The defence-oriented Sindoor Session is drawing significant attention for its focus on specialised castings for defence manufacturing.
The India Foundry Forum is hosting top industry leaders to deliberate on long-term growth strategies, while the BRICS Session is fostering dialogue on international technology partnerships and market access. The “Melt & Match” initiative is facilitating structured business engagements between Indian and overseas participants to boost exports and collaborative ventures.
Live demonstrations and product showcases are highlighting smart manufacturing systems, digital monitoring tools and environmentally responsible production practices. Buyer–seller meetings are further strengthening commercial partnerships and export opportunities.
As proceedings continue, stakeholders emphasised that IFC & IFEX 2026 serves as both a strategic business platform and a catalyst for innovation-driven growth. Strong international participation alongside domestic industry representation is expected to unlock new opportunities and reinforce India’s standing as a high-technology casting hub.
With its scale, focus on sustainability, technology adoption and global collaboration, the 74th Indian Foundry Congress and IFEX 2026 is contributing meaningfully to the advancement of India’s foundry sector and the broader objective of industrial expansion.
IFEX is an annual trade fair dedicated to the foundry industry. Since its launch in 2005, it has grown into a leading platform for the sector in India and internationally. Organised by India Exposition Mart Ltd, known for hosting major industrial exhibitions, IFEX rotates across key industrial regions of India, offering participants exposure to diverse markets.
A distinctive feature of IFEX is its concurrent hosting with the Indian Foundry Congress, bringing together experts, executives and policymakers. The combination of exhibition and conference provides a comprehensive platform for business development, technology exchange and industry networking.
