CIPS Launches India Operations

The Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) has announced the launch of its India operations, marking a significant step towards strengthening professional procurement standards and capability development in one of the world’s fastest-growing economies. 

The announcement was made during a press conference in New Delhi by Ben Farrell MBE, Group Chief Executive Officer of CIPS on a visit to India from 9–13 March 2026. 

Noted international development and procurement professional Ram Trivedi has been appointed Country Director of CIPS India and will lead the organisation’s efforts to expand professional procurement education, training and industry engagement across the country. 

In a significant development marking the launch of its India operations, CIPS also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government e-Marketplace (GeM), the Government of India’s official public procurement portal under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. 

The collaboration aims to strengthen professional standards and knowledge sharing in public procurement through capacity building, structured training programmes, promotion of ethical and sustainability standards, and knowledge exchange initiatives.

Representing the Government e-Marketplace, Satya Narayana Meena, Additional CEO of GeM, said: 

"The partnership with CIPS will help strengthen professional capabilities within India’s public procurement ecosystem. By combining GeM’s digital procurement platform with global best practices in procurement education and standards, we can further enhance transparency, efficiency and value in government purchasing."

Expanding Procurement Capability

India’s expanding infrastructure investments, digital procurement platforms and growing integration into global supply chains have significantly increased the need for professionally trained procurement and supply chain specialists capable of managing complex sourcing environments and ensuring value for money. 

Through its India operations, CIPS will offer globally recognised professional qualifications from Level 2 to Level 6, culminating in MCIPS (Member of the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply) — widely regarded as an international benchmark for procurement competence. 

Engagement with Academia and Industry

CIPS is also strengthening its engagement with academic institutions. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the All India Management Association (AIMA), signed earlier during the Global Procurement Summit 2026, on 5 Feb 2026, MOU signed with ACCMAN Institute of Management, Greater Noida, on 10 March 2026 and MOU signed with Hindustan University, Chennai, on 12 March, aims to promote executive education, industry–academia collaboration and professional development in procurement and supply chain management.

Further collaborations with universities, business schools and industry bodies are expected to expand access to procurement education and professional certification in India.

Nationwide Presence

CIPS India will be headquartered in Noida and plans to expand its presence nationwide through regional chapters, professional events, study centres and digital learning platforms, serving procurement professionals across sectors including government, infrastructure, manufacturing, consulting and multinational enterprises.

Ben Farrell, Group CEO of CIPS, said: 

"India is one of the world’s most dynamic economies and a critical part of global supply chains. By establishing CIPS India, we aim to support the development of highly skilled procurement professionals who can deliver strategic value, transparency and resilience in both public and private sector supply chains." 

Ram Trivedi, Country Director – CIPS India, said: 

"The launch of CIPS India will provide Indian professionals and organisations access to globally recognised procurement qualifications, capability frameworks and professional networks. Our goal is to build a strong community of procurement professionals who can drive efficiency, ethical practices and innovation in supply chain management across sectors." 

CIPS expects its India operations to play an important role in developing the next generation of procurement leaders capable of managing complex sourcing environments and driving strategic value creation for organisations.