Union minister Pralhad Joshi on Saturday inaugurated Incomex 2026, an industries and commerce exhibition organised by the Karnataka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) at APMC in Hubballi. Labour minister Santosh Lad and several other dignitaries were present at the event.
Speaking on the occasion, Joshi said the central government had taken precautionary measures to ensure that the impact of the Iran–US conflict and other global tensions did not affect India, even as several regions continued to face instability. He noted that neighbouring regions were witnessing confusion and disruption, with many countries grappling with shortages of fuel and electricity, besides problems in transportation and employment.
Highlighting India's preparedness, Joshi said the country was increasingly relying on renewable energy. "Earlier, trains ran largely on diesel, but India today has the world's second-largest rail network steadily moving towards full electrification," he said. He added that a high-speed rail corridor was under construction with a target year of 2033, and in-principle approval had been granted for the Pune–Bengaluru line.
Joshi also said logistics costs had been reduced from 12% to 10%, with the government aiming to bring them down to 8% by 2028 and further to 6% by 2032. Labour minister Santosh Lad said 93% of the country's population belonged to the unorganised sector and raised concerns over the survival of small-scale industries. "Over one lakh small industries have shut down in the last decade," he said, urging chambers like KCCI to pressure governments for stronger industrial support.
MLA N H Konaraddi said cities such as Davanagere, Belagavi and Mysuru were witnessing rapid growth and stressed the need for both the Centre and the state to focus on developing Hubballi as a key city of north Karnataka.
At the event, lifetime achievement awards were presented to JSW Group chairman Sajjan Jindal and Prabhakar Kore, honorary president of KLE Society, Belagavi. Former chief minister and MP Basavaraj Bommai, MLA Mahesh Tenginakai and several KCCI office-bearers were present.
