PHD Chamber of Commerce & Industry (PHDCCI) in association with Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR), Ministry of Science and Technology under their A2K+ Events Scheme successfully organized a seminar on “E-Commerce Logistics 2026: Leveraging AI & Automation for Next-Gen Supply Chains” on Friday, 27th March 2026 in New Delhi, bringing together key policymakers, industry leaders, technology experts, and academia to discuss the future of AI-driven logistics in India. The seminar witnessed participation from leading stakeholders across the logistics, retail, and technology ecosystem and focused on building smarter, more efficient, and sustainable supply chains for the future.

 The seminar was graced by Sh. Samuel Praveen Kumar, Director (M&CP), Central Warehousing Corporation as Guest of Honor, along with special guests Dr. Vipin Chandra Shukla, Scientist-G & Head, DSIR, Ministry of Science & Technology; Sh. I V Rao, Distinguished Fellow, Transport & Urban Governance, The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI); and Shri Prashant Gaur, Vice president, Reliance Retail Limited among other distinguished speakers. Discussions focused on AI-enabled logistics, e-commerce logistics, digital integration, automation in warehousing, sustainability, and reducing logistics costs to enhance India’s global competitiveness.

Addressing the seminar, Shri Samuel Praveen Kumar highlighted the remarkable progress of India’s logistics sector and emphasized how digital public infrastructure and technological innovation are transforming the industry into a more efficient and future-ready ecosystem. He spoke about the strong opportunities created by data integration, AI-enabled systems, and real-time visibility across supply chains, which are helping improve operational efficiency and customer experience. He also appreciated the growing collaboration between government, industry, and technology players, and expressed confidence that with continued innovation, digital connectivity, and sustainable practices, India’s logistics sector will emerge as a globally competitive and high-growth engine for the economy.

In his address, Dr. Vipin Chandra Shukla emphasized the need for innovation-led collaboration between industry, startups, and research institutions to strengthen India’s e-commerce logistics ecosystem. He highlighted that the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) is supporting industry through funding schemes, R&D recognition, and technology initiatives aimed at improving logistics efficiency, especially for MSMEs. Referring to the growing role of MSMEs, he noted that the sector contributes to over 50% of global employment and is expected to generate nearly 600 million jobs by 2030, underlining the need for stronger logistics systems and faster adoption of AI and automation. He also called for greater collaboration between academia, industry, and government to build future-ready and efficient e-commerce supply chains in India.

Shri I. V. Rao spoke about the rapid growth of India’s e-commerce and logistics ecosystem and the urgent need to make it more efficient, sustainable, and technology-driven. He highlighted the role of AI-enabled route optimisation, real-time data-driven logistics, and green supply chain practices in improving operational efficiency while supporting India’s sustainability goals. He also emphasised the growing demand for logistics services, the need to reduce logistics costs, and the importance of collaborative efforts between industry, policymakers, and research institutions to build a smarter and more sustainable logistics ecosystem in the country.

Sharing industry perspectives, Shri Prashant Gaur highlighted the rapid growth of India’s e-commerce sector driven by rising digital adoption and increasing demand across Tier 2 and Tier 3 markets. He emphasised that logistics is at the core of this transformation, with AI and automation enabling faster deliveries, real-time visibility, and more efficient, technology-driven supply chains. At the same time, challenges such as high logistics costs, infrastructure gaps, last-mile delivery inefficiencies, and the need for a skilled workforce continue to remain important areas of focus.  

Mr. Mohit Luthra, Assistant Secretary General, PHDCCI in his welcome remarks highlighted that India’s e-commerce sector is witnessing rapid growth driven by digital adoption and changing consumer expectations, and emphasized that technologies such as AI, automation, and data-driven logistics will play a crucial role in building efficient and future-ready supply chains. He also reiterated that the PHD Chamber of Commerce & Industry (PHDCCI) will continue to create platforms that bring together government, industry, and academia to drive innovation and strengthen India’s logistics ecosystem.