Current Context :The Indian government and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed a landmark $350 million policy-based loan under the second subprogramme of the Strengthening Multimodal and Integrated Logistics Ecosystem (SMILE) programme.

SMILE Programme (Strengthening Multimodal and Integrated Logistics Ecosystem)

• Objective:Supports logistics sector reforms to expand manufacturing and enhance supply chain resilience in India.
• Loan Agreement:$350 million policy-based loan under the second sub programme signed between India and the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
• Collaborators:Department of Economic Affairs (Ministry of Finance), DPIIT (Ministry of Commerce and Industry), and ADB.
• Key Pillars:
  • Institutional Frameworks:Capacity building for seamless multimodal logistics integration at all levels.
  • Warehousing Standards:Uniform regulations to streamline supply chains and attract private investment.
  • Trade Logistics:Improved efficiency in external trade operations.
  • Smart, Low-Emission Systems:Advanced, eco-friendly technologies for enhanced logistics performance.