According to prnewswire.com, Messe München India has acquired the India International Cargo Show (IICS), integrating it into its existing logistics portfolio to form South Asia’s largest and most comprehensive logistics trade-fair ecosystem.
Expanded Portfolio Across Four Core Logistics Events
The acquisition brings IICS under Messe München India’s umbrella alongside transport logistic India, air cargo India, and the forthcoming project cargo India. Together, these events span cargo movement, handling, storage, and management across air, sea, rail, and road. transport logistic India and air cargo India were held in Mumbai in February 2026, while project cargo India is scheduled to debut in 2027. Each event retains its distinct sector focus but operates within a coordinated portfolio designed to serve a broader cross-section of the logistics industry.
IICS itself has evolved over the past four years into a focused business platform for freight forwarders, airlines, shipping lines, ports, terminals, warehousing and cold-chain operators, express logistics providers, cargo-handling companies, and logistics technology businesses. The Mumbai edition of the India International Cargo Show 2026 will proceed as scheduled from 2–4 December 2026 at the Jio World Convention Centre, Bandra Kurla Complex, Mumbai.
This expanded Indian portfolio will become part of Messe München’s international transport logistic network — which includes flagship events in Munich, China, Kenya, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Türkiye, and the United States — in addition to its established presence in India.
Economic Context and Trade Scale
The acquisition coincides with rapid growth in India’s international trade. According to data released by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry on 15 April 2026, India’s merchandise exports reached US$441.78 billion in FY 2025–26, while imports stood at US$774.98 billion, bringing combined merchandise trade to approximately US$1.22 trillion. This scale places increasing demands on the country’s freight, cargo, and supply-chain infrastructure.
Bhupinder Singh, President IMEA, Messe München and CEO, Messe München India, said:
“India International Cargo Show has built strong relationships across India’s cargo and freight-forwarding industry. Bringing it into our portfolio allows us to serve the market through a series of focused yet complementary platforms. Exhibitors, visitors, associations and industry partners will be able to engage with a much wider part of the logistics value chain through one coordinated portfolio. At the same time, every event will continue to address the specific business priorities and communities it was created to serve.” — Bhupinder Singh, President IMEA, Messe München and CEO, Messe München India
Stefan Rummel, CEO, Messe München, added:
“India is central to the future of global trade and logistics, and this acquisition underscores our long-term commitment to the market. By combining IICS’s strong local reach in freight forwarding and multimodal cargo with the international transport logistic network, we are building a connected platform that delivers lasting value for customers, partners and the industry.” — Stefan Rummel, CEO, Messe München
Collaboration and Continuity
IICS will retain its industry character and long-standing relationships, with Messe München India and Upstream Business Solutions collaborating on developing the platform for its next phase. Mohit Mewani, Founder and CEO, Upstream Business Solutions LLP, stated:
“The India International Cargo Show has been built on the trust and long-term support of its exhibitors, sponsors, associations, speakers and visitors. As IICS enters its next phase with Messe München India, protecting that trust and building on what the industry has helped create will remain the foremost priority. The focused character of IICS and existing exhibitor commitments will continue. Participants will also gain access to the international reach, sector expertise and resources of the Messe München network. This creates a strong path forward for IICS exhibitors, with greater visibility, broader market connections and more opportunities to participate across a growing logistics portfolio in India and internationally.” — Mohit Mewani, Founder and CEO, Upstream Business Solutions LLP
Source: prnewswire.com
Compiled from international media by the SCI.AI editorial team.