Organised by Messe Frankfurt Trade Fairs India under the theme “Future ready refineries: Powering Energy Security and Growth for Viksit Bharat,” the summit commenced on a high-level discussion on India’s refining expansion, petrochemicals integration, digital transformation and sustainable energy strategies shaping the future of the downstream sector.
The inauguration session witnessed the presence of senior industry and government leaders. The summit was inaugurated by eminent dignitaries including:
Dr (Ms) Sukla Mistry Mistry, Former Director - Refineries, Indian Oil Corp Limited
Shrikant M Vaidya, Former Chairman, Indian Oil Corp Limited
Jayanta Narayan Das, Member, Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB)
Abdulrahman Althukair, Managing Director, Aramco Asia India
Vartika Shukla, Former Chairperson and Managing Director, Engineers India Limited
Manas Majumdar, Oil & Gas Sector Leader & Partner – Fuels & Resources, PwC
Rajnath Ram, Adviser - Energy, NITI Aayog
Kushal Sharma, Division Head & Member of Extended Board of Management, Messe Frankfurt India
Opening the summit discussions, industry experts highlighted how India’s refining ecosystem is entering a transformative phase driven by energy security priorities, rising domestic demand, technological innovation and sustainability commitments. With India expected to remain one of the world’s fastest growing energy markets, discussions centred on how refineries must evolve beyond conventional fuel production into integrated energy and petrochemical hubs capable of supporting long-term industrial and economic growth.
The summit also reflected the growing urgency around refinery modernisation amid shifting global trade flows, supply chain disruptions and evolving environmental regulations. Industry leaders discussed the need for operational agility diversified sourcing strategies and resilient infrastructure to address the rapidly changing global energy landscape.
A major focus throughout the opening day remained on digital transformation and the increasing adoption of AI, machine learning, predictive analytics and digital twins across refinery operations. Experts noted that digitalisation is rapidly becoming central to improving refinery efficiency, asset reliability, operational safety and cost competitiveness.
The opening day of the India Refining Summit 2026 featured high-level discussions focused on the future of India’s downstream energy sector, with key sessions exploring refining capacity expansion, petrochemicals integration, digital transformation and sustainable refinery operations. Industry leaders and policymakers deliberate on strengthening India’s energy security through future ready refining infrastructure while technical experts highlighted the growing role of AI, machine learning, digital twins and automation in improving operational efficiency and resilience. Sessions also examined operational excellence, industrial safety, asset integrity management and emerging crude-to-chemical technologies, alongside discussions on R&D driven innovation, cleaner fuels, hydrogen integration, carbon management and next-generation refining strategies shaping the future of India’s refining and petrochemical ecosystem.
Press information and photographic material:
https://www.indiarefiningsummit.com
Press Contacts
Viral Sanghvi | Manager – PR & Corporate Communications
+91 9930837978 | viral.sanghvi@india.messefrankfurt.com
Messe Frankfurt Trade Fairs India Pvt Ltd
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