The skyline of Mumbai, India’s financial heartbeat, served as the backdrop for a transformative three days as the LIBF Expo 2026 – Mumbai Calling unfolded at the Jio World Convention Centre.
Mumbai Calling emerged as a powerful multi-sector international trade and business networking platform, drawing over 35,000 visitors. The event featured 18+ global conferences, welcomed delegates from 25+ countries, represented 30+ industries, and showcased 246 exhibitors spanning financial services, healthcare, legal services, logistics, manufacturing, infrastructure, and emerging technologies.
The Expo convened an influential mix of business leaders, institutional representatives, investors, policymakers, and sector specialists, linking enterprise ecosystems across India, the Gulf region, Africa, Europe, the UK, North America, and Asia-Pacific markets.
More than 10,000 curated business and professional participants took part in sector conventions, industry roundtables, and trade-driven sessions. Discussions centred on cross-border expansion strategies, supply chain diversification, regulatory compliance frameworks, and access to capital across both emerging and developed economies. Industry voices pointed to India’s rising stature as a manufacturing base and services export hub, alongside accelerating outbound expansion by Indian small and mid-sized enterprises.
A global marketplace under one roof
LIBF operates as a global enterprise and professional networking platform, connecting stakeholders across 25 countries in Africa, the GCC, Europe, North America, Asia-Pacific, and Oceania. Business conferences at the Expo reflected deepening commercial engagement between India and high-growth markets including the GCC, Africa, Europe, and the United States. Participants highlighted opportunities in infrastructure partnerships, IT, AI and digital services, logistics, import-export trade, and specialised manufacturing supply chains.
The Expo also saw participation from key national industry and governance-linked institutions, including the IMC Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IMC), the Institute of Directors (IOD), and the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), reinforcing its role as a catalyst for collaboration, policy dialogue, and cross-border business growth.
The social impact framework
Perhaps the most distinctive feature of LIBF Expo 2026 was its refusal to separate profit from purpose. Organisers integrated social responsibility directly into the trade floor, proving that "ethical growth" is more than just a buzzword.
Empowering grassroots: The Expo featured complimentary stalls for women-led Gruh Udyog enterprises, education and training institutions, and community-driven organisations, ensuring inclusive participation alongside commercial engagement. It also facilitated UAE-focused business advisory services and overseas expansion support, while recognising outstanding individuals and organisations through international awards.
The BMC school initiative: A key highlight was a structured education and capacity-building initiative supporting 100 Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) municipal schools. Under a Tripartite Memorandum of Understanding signed within LIBF’s philanthropic framework, the Quality Council of India (QCI) through its National Accreditation Board for Education and Training (NABET) will provide certification, accreditation, and structured capacity-building support to the shortlisted BMC schools. LIBF will function as the coordinating and facilitating agency, including mobilising funds through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, while LIBF partner institutions will act as mentors to the participating schools.
Together, this collaborative model reflects a blended approach that aligns enterprise engagement with sustainable, long-term social and educational outcomes, reinforcing LIBF Expo’s vision of inclusive growth and community-led impact.
A confluence of power and vision
The event was punctuated by the presence of a "Who’s Who" of Indian policy and industry including senior policymakers, institutional leaders, defence officials, jurists, industry veterans, and elected representatives, reflecting the platform’s national and international significance.
The Inaugural Ceremony was enriched by a special video message from Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, who inspired participants to embrace responsible business practices, ethical growth, and service-driven leadership. The ceremony was further honoured by the presence of eminent dignitaries, including Vice Admiral Atul Anand, AVSM, VSM, Additional Secretary, Department of Military Affairs, Ministry of Defence, Government of India; Ashish Kumar Chauhan, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, National Stock Exchange of India (NSE); and Motilal Oswal, Co-Founder, Chairman and Managing Director, Motilal Oswal Financial Services Ltd.
The International Awards Ceremony was elevated by the presence of Smt Amruta Devendra Fadnavis as Guest of Honour, adding prestige and meaningful value to the platform while celebrating excellence, leadership, and global collaboration.
The Expo was further graced by an esteemed gathering of prominent dignitaries and eminent personalities, including Padma Shri Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India; Shri R. Venkataramani, Attorney General of India; Bhushan Gagrani, IAS, Municipal Commissioner of Greater Mumbai; Raamdeo Agrawal, Chairman, Motilal Oswal Group; Radhika Gupta, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Edelweiss Mutual Fund; Justice MR Shah, Former Judge, Supreme Court of India; Nitin Thakker, Senior Advocate, Bombay High Court and President, Bombay Bar Association; and Mihir Kotecha, MLA, Mulund Constituency.
A new era of connectivity
In a joint statement, Satish D Vithalani, Chairman, LIBF, and Vijay P Karia, Director, LIBF, said the Expo underscores the growing need for structured, sector-driven platforms that empower Indian enterprises to engage with global markets with confidence and clarity.
They observed that LIBF Expo 2026 illustrated how trade, professional knowledge exchange, institutional collaboration, and community-focused initiatives can converge on a single platform to drive sustainable cross-border growth and foster long-term economic engagement.
With global supply chains continuing to diversify and emerging markets assuming greater strategic relevance in international trade flows, the leaders noted that sector-driven business platforms are poised to play an increasingly vital role in enabling enterprise connectivity, facilitating investment dialogue, and supporting market-entry partnerships.
LIBF Expo 2026, they added, reflects the continued expansion of private sector-led trade engagement, strengthening linkages between India and global enterprise ecosystems.
