ISSDA and Virgo Communications Announce Landmark Strategic Partnership to Accelerate Growth of India’s Stainless Steel Industry with Global Stainless Steel Expo
Virgo Communications hosts an exclusive press conference and networking dinner to unveil a strategic alliance with ISSDA, strengthening the Global Stainless Steel Expo (GSSE) as India’s premier platform for business, innovation, policy advocacy and global collaboration.
Mumbai | June 30, 2026: Virgo Communications & Exhibitions Pvt. Ltd., organisers of the Global Stainless Steel Expo (GSSE), hosted an exclusive press conference and networking dinner at Hotel Sahara Star, Mumbai, where it officially announced its strategic partnership with the Indian Stainless Steel Development Association (ISSDA). The landmark collaboration marks a significant milestone in the evolution of India’s stainless steel industry and reinforces GSSE’s position as the country’s most comprehensive business and networking platform dedicated exclusively to stainless steel.
The event witnessed an exceptional gathering of stainless steel industry leaders, policymakers, manufacturers, processors, fabricators, technology providers, architects, consultants, infrastructure developers, end-users, media representatives and key stakeholders from across the stainless steel value chain. The overwhelming participation highlighted the industry’s confidence in this collaboration and its potential to unlock new opportunities for growth and innovation.
The strategic partnership brings together the strengths of ISSDA, India’s apex stainless steel development body, and Virgo Communications & Exhibitions Pvt. Ltd., a leading organiser of niche industrial exhibitions. Together, they aim to further elevate the Global Stainless Steel Expo (GSSE) into a world-class platform that not only showcases products and technologies but also drives meaningful dialogue, policy advocacy, knowledge exchange and business development for the stainless steel sector.
With ISSDA’s technical expertise, industry leadership and policy engagement complementing Virgo’s exhibition and media capabilities, GSSE is poised to become the unified platform where manufacturers, suppliers, buyers, technology innovators, government bodies, consultants and international stakeholders can collaborate to shape the future of the industry.
Beyond being an exhibition, GSSE serves as a catalyst for business growth by connecting the complete stainless steel value chain under one roof. The partnership is expected to enhance domestic and international participation, facilitate strategic partnerships, promote technology transfer, encourage investments, support MSMEs, expand export opportunities and strengthen India’s global positioning in stainless steel manufacturing and innovation.
A key focus of the press conference was the need to strengthen policy support for the sector. During the discussions, industry leaders collectively called for a National Stainless Steel Policy and a National Anti-Corrosion Mission, emphasising the critical role stainless steel plays in infrastructure development, transportation, water management, healthcare, food processing, renewable energy, defence and sustainable construction.
Speakers highlighted that despite India being the world’s third-largest producer and second largest consumer of stainless steel, the sector lacks a dedicated policy framework that reflects its strategic importance. They noted that a focused national policy would encourage greater adoption of stainless steel in public infrastructure, promote domestic manufacturing, accelerate innovation, improve export competitiveness and generate employment across the value chain.
The proposed National Anti-Corrosion Mission was also identified as a crucial step towards reducing the enormous economic losses caused by corrosion across India’s bridges, pipelines, industrial facilities, ports and public infrastructure. Increased use of stainless steel and lifecycle-based procurement practices would significantly improve asset durability, reduce maintenance costs and support sustainable infrastructure development.
As India progresses towards the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, the partnership between ISSDA and Virgo Communications aims to position stainless steel as a strategic material for the nation’s future. Through the Global Stainless Steel Expo, the collaboration will provide an influential platform for policy discussions, technical conferences, business networking, product innovation and international engagement, ultimately strengthening India’s leadership in the global stainless steel market.
The announcement represents far more than a strategic alliance, it establishes a shared vision to build a stronger, more connected and globally competitive stainless steel ecosystem. With ISSDA and Virgo Communications working together through GSSE, the industry is set to benefit from greater collaboration, stronger advocacy, enhanced business opportunities and a unified platform dedicated to driving the next phase of growth for India’s stainless steel sector.
