Archana Gundre: India's Manufacturing Sector - Innovation, Localization, And The Global Supply Chain Evolution

India is increasingly recognized as a key player in the global manufacturing sector. With the sector achieving a 16-year high and India emerging as the third most preferred manufacturing destination globally, a shift in industrial trends is underway, one rooted in innovation, strategic localization, and global supply chain rebalancing. IDEX Corporation, a multinational company engaged in fluid and metering technologies, plays a key role in this transformation through its operations in India.

The Shift in India’s Global Manufacturing Role

The post-pandemic world has underscored the fragility of global supply chains. Companies across the globe are recalibrating, seeking resilient alternatives. India, with its engineering talent, cost-efficiency, and policy-driven push for manufacturing excellence, is stepping up to fill that void.

“India has become a strategic hub for IDEX, not just for production, but for innovation, rapid prototyping, and resilient supply chain development,” says Archana Gundre, Managing Director, IDEX FMT Pumps – Asia. “The ability to localize global technologies without compromising performance is our biggest strength here”, she adds.

India’s manufacturing maturity, combined with a robust supplier ecosystem, has enabled IDEX to adapt and deliver mission-critical, customized solutions across sectors. Nearly 90% of components and raw materials used in its India-assembled products are now sourced locally, An indication of India's increasing focus on self-sufficiency and capability.

Cognito EODD: Made in India, Impacting the World

Cognito EODD has played a key role in IDEX’s operations in India, an electric-operated double diaphragm pump that epitomizes innovation in intelligent fluid handling. Designed to address inefficiencies in manual and air-operated diaphragm pumps (AODDs), Cognito delivers up to 70% energy savings, reduced maintenance, and a significantly lower environmental footprint.

“Cognito isn’t just another pump, it’s a leap forward for sustainable industrial practices,” Archana notes. “It eliminates the need for compressed air, integrates IoT for predictive diagnostics, and delivers superior operational efficiency.”

The India-based engineering team played a key role in the pump’s evolution, from customer pain-point analysis to IoT integration and field testing. This collaborative approach across geographies has positioned India as a hub for innovation within IDEX’s global operations, beyond its role as a production site.

Smart and Sustainable Manufacturing

Cognito aligns with global trends in smart manufacturing and ESG compliance. With its IoT-enabled monitoring, zero-leak design, and modular construction, it’s built for industries navigating both performance pressures and sustainability mandates.

From paint to pharma and water treatment, Cognito is being adopted across various industrial applications. Its materials and components are designed for durability and minimal waste generation, supporting lifecycle efficiency and repairability.

Sustainability considerations were integrated into the design process. The pump’s low pulsation operation reduces power demand, while real-time data empowers users to prevent downtime and optimize efficiency. As a result, Cognito focuses on optimizing total cost of ownership while supporting businesses in meeting their environmental goals.

Strengthening the Global Supply Chain

As companies diversify sourcing and production beyond traditional hubs like China, IIDEX’s operations in India have contributed to enhancing resilience amid global disruptions. Localized sourcing, expanding in-house capabilities, and India's favorable geopolitical stance are all contributing to faster time-to-market and assured business continuity.

“We’re seeing a growing export footprint from India Cognito is now being sold in the US, Europe, China, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East,” Archana confirms. “What’s exciting is the adaptability of Cognito to diverse industrial needs and the stories of success that are emerging across regions.”

Local-for-Global: India’s Innovation Surge

India's development reflects both quantitative growth and qualitative improvements. IDEX’s cross-continental R&D efforts illustrate this shift. Some of the company’s upcoming products are being engineered in India based on global designs, while others designed in India are finding takers across international markets. This ‘local-for-global’ approach reflects India’s evolving role from manufacturing to engineering leadership.

Collaborations with academic institutions and research hubs are also on the horizon, further strengthening the ecosystem that fuels innovation.

Looking Ahead: A Future Built in India

IDEX’s outlook for India over the next five years is ambitious yet grounded. From modular versions of the Cognito EODD to advancements in material science and integration with wider industrial ecosystems, the product pipeline shows strong potential.

“As the global focus pivots eastward, India is not just a manufacturing destination, it’s our strategic innovation partner,” adds Archana.

With government support, technological advancements, and an increasingly skilled workforce, India is poised to play a key role in the reimagination of global manufacturing. As companies like IDEX continue to invest, and localize, India’s manufacturing renaissance is no longer a distant dream, it’s a present-day revolution.

About Archana Gundre, Managing Director, IDEX FMT Pumps – Asia

Archana leads the Asia region, which includes India, Southeast Asia, the Middle East & Africa, and China, for the Fluid and Metering Technology Pumps division of IDEX Corporation. She leads business growth and operational management across the region, driving product innovation and customer-centric strategies. Under her leadership, IDEX has adopted a ‘local for local’ approach, been leading the Centre of Excellence initiatives, with a focus on customer-centricity, developing products and solutions that address the specific challenges and opportunities in these markets. Archana joined IDEX over two decades ago, as the Director of Marketing and Business Development, moved on to become the Vice President of Engineering and Marketing and has lead the business as the Managing Director since May 2022. Before joining IDEX, Archana worked at Intrex India Limited and ATCO Industries, Inc. prior to that. Archana holds a Master of Business Administration in Marketing and a Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering. Archana’s focus on team engagement and customer- centricity practices contributes to IDEX’s operations in Asia, making her a leader and a key contributor to FMT Pumps achievements in this region.

About IDEX Corporation

IDEX designs and builds engineered products and mission-critical components that make everyday life better. Founded in 1988 with three small, entrepreneurial manufacturing companies, IDEX now includes more than 50 various businesses around the world, and manufacturing operations in more than 20 countries.