Inside DHL's Investment in Sustainable Operations in India

DHL Group has revealed that it plans to inject €1bn (US$1.15bn) into its Indian business units before the end of the decade.

The substantial financial commitment is embedded within its 'Strategy 2030' and demonstrates the company's increasing confidence in India as a strategic market for expansion.

The Germany-based logistics leader ranks among the world's premier courier operations, providing package delivery and supply chain management capabilities across global markets.

In pursuit of becoming the preferred logistics partner worldwide, DHL is channelling resources into strategic territories whilst integrating sustainable practices, corporate responsibility and environmental stewardship throughout its operations.

DHL's investments in India

DHL's multi-year initiative in India will drive expansion in life sciences and healthcare, e-commerce, digital transformation and emerging energy sectors.

The investment package will fund significant infrastructure projects, including:

• DHL Supply Chain India's inaugural DHL Health Logistics hub in Bhiwandi
• Blue Dart's largest low-emission integrated facility at Bijwasan
• DHL Express India's first automated sorting centre in Delhi
• A fifth DHL IT Services Centre in Indore
• Electric Vehicle (EV) and Battery Logistics Center of Excellence (COE) locations in Chennai and Mumbai
• Blue Dart's largest low-emission integrated ground hub in Haryana.

Since 2002, DHL Express and Indian logistics provider Blue Dart Express have maintained a collaborative relationship, initially through a business partnership before DHL Express acquired a major stake with a €120m (US$139.5m) investment.

The company is now directing capital across its broader operational network.

"Global trade is facing headwinds, but we remain confident in India's dynamic market," says Tobias Meyer, CEO of DHL Group.

"The country's diversification strategy and business-friendly policies provide a solid foundation for long-term investments. With our investment program of around €1bn, we are expanding reliable and more sustainable logistics solutions for our customers in India."

DHL's expansion in India

More and more, DHL Group is beginning to view India as a global hub for technology, with more than 1,300 digital specialists and logistics DHL professionals currently operating in the subcontinent.

The development a brand new IT Services Centre in Indore speaks to the company's concerted effort to grow its footprint in India, brining its premises in the region up to five.

This facility will double up as an educational institution for employee training in automation and AI, both of which are fundamental to DHL's wider digital strategy.

India is quickly becoming a global superpower when it comes to trade, but doing business there isn't always as sustainable as it could be.

Data from the DHL Global Connectedness Tracker shows that India's average goods trade distance is projected to extend to 6,190 kilometres in 2025, an increase from 6,090 kilometres in 2024.

It's a trend that shows India's expanding significance in worldwide logistics and its attractiveness for investments. But with shipping distances increasing, so too are the emissions for companies that choose to base logistics from the country.

To combat this, DHL is undergoing a programme of sustainable procurement in the region, focused on climate technologies and decarbonisation initiatives.

Behind DHL's Strategy 2030

As well as representing a strategic expansion, the investment contributes to DHL Group's Strategy 2030.

This is the company's plan for accelerating sustainable growth, working towards climate neutrality and maximising positive impact on the logistics industry. 

The group is looking to reduce its CO₂ emissions to 29 million tonnes by 2030, with a further aim of achieving net zero by 2050.

The sustainability drive in India has so far included investments in low-emission facilities and EV fleets. Elsewhere, DHL GoGreen Plus allows for more sustainable shipping through renewable fuels and electric vehicles.