Nirmal Kumar Minda, Executive Chairman of Uno Minda Group, has formally taken over as President of the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM), marking a leadership shift that places a seasoned industrial voice at the helm of one of India’s oldest trade bodies.
A long-time advocate of indigenous manufacturing, Minda has built Uno Minda into a diversified global auto components major. His leadership blends operational pragmatism with policy insight, shaped by over three decades in steering product localisation, supplier development, and technology partnerships.
In his new role, Minda signalled an assertive agenda aimed at reducing India’s import reliance by identifying sectors where domestic capabilities can be scaled. He said ASSOCHAM will present detailed frameworks that quantify potential savings and encourage long-term ecosystem building rather than short-term import substitution.
Minda also highlighted key focus areas for the chamber — from improving ease of doing business and supporting MSMEs to advancing sustainability, manufacturing competitiveness, and digital adoption. His approach aligns with the national vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, while also recognising the need for closer dialogue between policymakers and industry leaders.
Observers see his appointment as a continuity of ASSOCHAM’s shift toward evidence-based policy advocacy. Minda’s hands-on understanding of industry bottlenecks and his track record in nurturing innovation across Uno Minda’s operations are expected to give the chamber’s initiatives a stronger operational grounding.
With Minda at the helm, ASSOCHAM is poised to sharpen its role as a policy catalyst — one that not only amplifies industry concerns but helps craft actionable pathways for sustainable economic growth. |
