Naveen Kundu, Managing Director of Ebixcash Travel Group and Chairman of MICE & Business Travel at FICCI, has formally requested an increased budget allocation for the "Meet in India" initiative. In a letter addressed to Nirmala Sitharaman, Minister of Finance & Corporate Affairs, Kundu emphasized the critical need for enhanced financial support to maintain India's competitive edge as a premier destination for international conferences, meetings, and events.

"Meet in India" is an initiative designed to promote India as a top-tier location for international business and cultural exchanges. Kundu's letter highlights several key reasons for the budget increase:

1. Enhanced International Visibility: A larger budget would enable India to attract more high-profile international conferences and events, boosting its global visibility as a preferred destination for business and cultural exchanges.

2. Improved Infrastructure and Facilities: Additional funding would facilitate upgrades to infrastructure such as conference venues, accommodation facilities, and transportation networks, ensuring they meet the standards expected by international delegates and organizers.

   

3. Increased Participation: With a higher budget, the initiative could offer greater incentives for participation, such as subsidized registration fees for international delegates, grants for event organizers, and logistical support, encouraging more organizations to choose India as their event destination.

4. Promotion and Marketing: Increased funding would also allow for intensified global marketing efforts, showcasing India's unique cultural heritage, technological advancements, and business potential to attract more international events and attendees.

Kundu stressed that the global landscape of meetings and events has evolved, with neighboring countries significantly increasing their budgets for similar initiatives. To remain relevant and successful, India must enhance its financial support for "Meet in India." He concluded by urging the government to view the increased budget allocation not merely as an expense but as a strategic investment to bolster India's global standing and drive economic growth.

Kundu's appeal underscores the importance of international meetings and events in showcasing India's capabilities and fostering global collaborations. The request for increased budget allocation is currently under review by the Ministry of Finance.