# Circular economy initiatives in India > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/circular-economy-initiatives-in-india > Updated: 2026-09-15T18:42:25.000Z. Sources: 12. Developments: 3. Preparations and discussions regarding circular economy initiatives in India intensified ahead of the World Circular Economy Forum (WCEF) 2026, scheduled for September 15 to 18 in Gandhinagar. The forum aims to convene stakeholders from government, business, academia, and civil society to scale circular economy practices. Key focus areas include mobilizing private capital for circular growth and integrating material management into climate policy, noting that approximately 70 percent of greenhouse gas emissions are linked to material lifecycles. In anticipation of the WCEF, the India Circular Economy Forum (ICEF) 2026 was held in New Delhi. During this event, India and Finland explored strengthening technological and business cooperation, particularly within the evolving India-EU economic relationship. Discussions centered on building resilient value chains through circularity, traceability, and sustainable business practices under the theme “Harmonising Value Chains: The new India-EU Trade Era.” Antti Herlevi, Counsellor for Trade and Investments at the Embassy of Finland in New Delhi, noted that the circular economy is both an “environmental and an industrial agenda.” He highlighted that over 100 Finnish companies are currently active in India across sectors such as clean energy, waste management, recycling, digital solutions, and sustainable design. The World Circular Economy Forum (WCEF) 2026 has now commenced in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, marking the first time the global event is being hosted in South Asia. Organized under the theme ‘Circular Economy: Transition for People and Prosperity’, the forum is a joint effort involving the Indian Central Pollution Control Board, the Government of Gujarat, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, the Finnish Innovation Fund Sitra, the Government of Finland, and the Netherlands’ Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate. Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel inaugurated the 10th edition of the forum, which is running until September 18. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-15: World Circular Economy Forum 2026 opens in Gandhinagar Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel inaugurated the 10th World Circular Economy Forum in Gandhinagar, the first time the event is held in South Asia, featuring 2,000+ delegates from 66 countries. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/world-circular-economy-forum-2026-opens-in-gandhinagar ### 2026-09-13: World Circular Economy Forum 2026 begins in Gandhinagar The World Circular Economy Forum 2026 has launched in Gandhinagar, India, bringing together 2,000 stakeholders from 65+ countries to promote circularity, innovation, and international cooperation. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/india-to-host-world-circular-economy-forum-2026-in-gandhinagar ### 2026-08-20: World Circular Economy Forum 2026 to be held in India The World Circular Economy Forum 2026 will be held in Gandhinagar, India, focusing on scaling circular economy practices and mobilizing private finance to meet climate and nature targets. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/world-circular-economy-forum-2026-to-be-held-in-india --- Cite as: Circular economy initiatives in India. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/circular-economy-initiatives-in-india