International shipping giant DHL Express is intensifying its presence in India as part of its global “Strategy 2030” roadmap, with a sharper focus on sunrise sectors and infrastructure expansion to drive growth over the next five years.
R S Subramanian, SVP South Asia, DHL Express
R S Subramanian, SVP South Asia, said the company aims to grow its global top line by 50% compared to its 2023 base, with India emerging as a key market within a group of 20 priority countries identified for future growth.
“India will be among the top markets in terms of opportunity and scale,” he said, adding that the first year of the strategy has already seen strong execution through investments and acquisitions.
The company is prioritising sectors such as life sciences, new energy, e-commerce, and digital sales. In life sciences, DHL has strengthened its capabilities through GDP-certified temperature-controlled infrastructure and the acquisition of CRYOPDP, enhancing its ability to serve clinical trials and specialised pharma logistics.
“These are no longer niche segments—they are already contributing and growing at a strong pace,” Subramanian said, noting that both life sciences and new energy are emerging as high-growth verticals in India.
In the new energy space, the company sees significant untapped potential across the ecosystem, from installation to maintenance of renewable assets such as solar and wind projects. E-commerce continues to remain a key driver, backed by investments in network capacity, automation, and last-mile efficiency.
central role
India’s southern region, particularly Bengaluru, plays a central role in DHL’s operations. The city acts as a gateway for South India, handling a significant share of inbound and outbound shipments, supported by expanded airport infrastructure and a dense regional network.
Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) contribute nearly 60% of DHL’s India business. The company is deepening engagement through digital tools, partnerships with the Directorate General of Foreign Trade, and capacity-building initiatives aimed at enabling global trade.
Despite ongoing geopolitical disruptions, Subramanian said DHL has maintained operational continuity by reconfiguring its network and leveraging alternate routes, while keeping service levels stable. “Growth is the core focus, everything else is aligned to support that ambition,” he said.
Published on April 5, 2026