India’s sealing industry continued to benefit from strong macroeconomic fundamentals through 2025, despite tariff pressures and a steadily depreciating INR/USD. The most recently officially released data from the Ministry of Statistics show that India’s real GDP grew 8.2% in 2023–24, with nominal GDP expanding 9.6% for the same year. Forward-looking indicators continue to remain robust: the RBI projects ~7% GDP growth for 2024–25, supported by sustained domestic demand and capital expenditure, while the IMF estimates growth at 6.8%. Much of this resilience is anchored in India’s large domestic consumption base, rising energy demand, and a young workforce seeking employment opportunities.
The current government continues to invest heavily in infrastructure to support long-term industrial expansion. Manufacturing remains a key driver: official data show Gross Value Added (GVA) in manufacturing rising by about 12% in 2023–24 to roughly EUR 270 billion, alongside an estimated 6% increase in employment. These gains are supported by government incentives, localisation policies, and strong demand across automotive, energy, steel, chemical, and infrastructure sectors. Over the long term, however, India’s challenges will include managing a structurally depreciating currency, reducing over-reliance on domestic consumption, and ensuring continued political stability.
Energy remains the second major pillar of India’s growth story. Total installed power capacity reached around 476 GW by June 2025, with non-fossil sources contributing close to 49%. The International Energy Agency notes that India’s clean-energy investment reached about EUR 63 billion in 2023, nearly 40% higher than the 2016–2020 average, and is expected to double by 2030 under current policies. This rapid expansion of renewables, grids, refining, gas, and process industries translates directly into rising demand for reliable gaskets, packings, and mechanical seals across power, chemicals, fertilisers, mobility, water, and industrial infrastructure.
The Indian sealing industry, classified under the Light Engineering segment of India’s industrial policy architecture, continues to grow as part of the wider engineering and capital-goods value chain promoted by DPIIT, the Ministry of Heavy Industries and EEPC India. There is a recent initiative being discussed by the Ministry of allowing the extremely successful Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme policy to be extended to MSMEs across the Light Engineering segment. We expect the Sealing Industry to India to continue to grow at around 7% CAGR, driven by industrialisation, infrastructure expansion, and localisation efforts.
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs has recently finalised new standards for Expanded Graphite Foils, Virgin PTFE, and Wire-Reinforced Asbestos Jointing Materials for wider circulation. The Gaskets and Packings – Glossary of Terms has been accepted and is moving toward publication. The 2026 agenda includes new standards for:
i) Biodegradable and Compostable Gaskets
ii) Procedures for Cutting Gaskets
iii) Selection and Installation of Gaskets – Code of Practice
iv) Expanded PTFE
v) Filled and Modified PTFE
In 2025, we also had the honour of attending the European Sealing Association (ESA) event in Ljubljana, Slovenia, where discussions focused on PFAS regulatory transitions and the emerging hydrogen-energy requirements in Europe were discussed. Participating in such a forum firsthand allowed us to appreciate the technical depth and collaborative spirit of the European sealing community. The visit reinforced how essential international dialogue has become as the industry prepares for new materials, stricter environmental norms, and rapid changes within clean-energy systems.
The Indian Sealing Association (ISA) remains aligned with this technical trajectory through standardisation efforts, sustainable-product initiatives, and enhanced collaboration with global partners. Looking ahead, 2026 offers several important platforms to showcase emerging technologies in the sealing industry. Indian Energy Week 2026 will be held from 27 to 30 January in Goa; ChemTECH World Expo from 3 to 6 February in Mumbai; ACMA Automechanika from 5 to 6 February in New Delhi; Valve World Expo India in June in Mumbai; and Boiler India 2026 from 8 to 10 October at the CIDCO Exhibition Centre, Mumbai.
Wishing all members season greetings and a bright, cooperative future in the year ahead.