The Asian Indian Chamber of Commerce (AICC) today launched the India Supplier Diversity Program (ISDP) at the India International Center, New Delhi, in the presence of distinguished policymakers, industry leaders, and global business representatives. This initiative is a major step toward fostering inclusive economic growth by integrating micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs)—especially women-owned businesses and enterprises from disadvantaged communities—into the global supply chain ecosystem.
The launch event was graced by Chief Guest Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State for Skill Development, along with Rajkumar Sangwan (MP, Skill Development) and Mithilesh Kumar (MP, Uttar Pradesh), who emphasized the vital role MSMEs play in shaping India’s economy and their potential to contribute to global trade networks.
The India Supplier Diversity Program (ISDP) aims to address the “missing middle”—a segment of small and medium enterprises that struggle with scalability, certification, and access to international markets. Through ISDP, Indian MSMEs will be equipped with the necessary tools and certifications to meet global compliance standards and gain visibility among large multinational corporations.
The initiative is backed by leading global corporations, including Sanofi, Johnson & Johnson, Micron, Regeneron, Citibank, Radian, and others, all of whom recognize the need for a diverse and inclusive supply chain.
The program is led by Komal Dangi, President of AICC, and Rajeev Krishna, President of ISDP, both committed to expanding opportunities for small businesses and fostering a more inclusive economy. Rakhi Agarwal, VP, Global Head of Supplier Diversity and Procurement Risk at Sanofi, has also been instrumental in driving this initiative forward.
Key Features of ISDP
• Certified Supplier Database – MSMEs will be integrated into a global database to enhance their accessibility for corporate procurement teams.
• Mentorship & Technical Assistance – Structured programs to help businesses improve operational efficiency and meet international quality standards.
• B2B Matchmaking & Trade Delegations – Direct engagement opportunities between Indian MSMEs, multinational corporations, government procurement agencies, and global trade organizations.
• Adoption of International Best Practices – Aligning with global supplier diversity frameworks such as the Billion Dollar Roundtable (BDR) to ensure that Indian suppliers meet global procurement benchmarks.
Rajeev Krishna, President of ISDP: “A strong supplier diversity program benefits not just small businesses but the entire economy. ISDP is a significant step toward greater inclusion and innovation.”
Komal Dangi, President of AICC: “Supplier diversity creates new pathways for growth. ISDP will help Indian small businesses gain access to global supply chains and scale their impact.”
Rakhi Agarwal, VP, Global Head of Supplier Diversity and Procurement Risk at Sanofi: “This initiative is about unlocking opportunities for diverse businesses and ensuring they have a fair chance to compete in the global market.”
The launch event saw the participation of government officials, corporate leaders, industry associations, financial institutions, and chamber representatives, all united in their commitment to strengthening India’s SME sector.
By bridging the gap between MSMEs and global corporations, ISDP is set to create new economic opportunities and drive sustainable growth. As India positions itself as a global economic powerhouse, initiatives like ISDP will play a pivotal role in fostering a resilient, inclusive, and innovation-driven supply chain.
