Air Astana, Kazakhstan’s national carrier, has celebrated 20 years of connecting India and Kazakhstan with the launch of a new service from Almaty to Mumbai, which began operations on 20th April 2025. The airline will now operate three weekly flights between the two commercial hubs, adding to its existing service to Delhi.

At a special reception in Mumbai to mark the occasion, Peter Foster, CEO of Air Astana Group, expressed his optimism about the new route and India’s growing market. “With the Indian economy growing strongly, Air Astana is delighted to launch services to Mumbai, a vibrant and flourishing metropolis driven by trade, finance and enterprise,” he said. “Business and leisure travellers will now be able to experience the excellence of Air Astana's in-services when flying between Kazakhstan's and India's most commercial cities.”

Air Astana first entered the Indian market in 2004 and has since steadily expanded its operations. The airline currently operates nine weekly flights to Delhi, with additional frequencies during the peak summer season.

With the new Mumbai route, Air Astana further strengthens its presence in India and opens new avenues for travel, trade, and cultural exchange between the two countries.

The Sommeliers Association of India (SAI) has made a significant impact on the Indian wine industry, bringing global standards and recognition to the country’s growing community of sommeliers. As the only official ASI-affiliated body in India, SAI has been dedicated to elevating the profession, promoting excellence in wine and spirits education, and fostering international collaboration.

Recently, SAI hosted its first-ever 2025 SAI Best Sommelier of India Competition, held on January 23 at The LaLiT Mumbai. This landmark event saw Jai Singh emerge as the winner, with Pankaj Singh and Amber Deshmukh taking second and third place, respectively. The competition not only highlighted India’s top sommeliers but also attracted professionals and experts from across the world, further establishing the nation as a key player in the global wine and hospitality scene.

Strengthening the Industry with Global Partnerships

One of the key drivers behind SAI’s success is its strong partnerships with influential global organizations, which offer exclusive benefits to its members. Notable collaborations include:

• Jancis Robinson MW OBE: Insights from a leading wine critic and advocate of sustainable winemaking.
  

• Jane Anson: Bordeaux expert providing educational guidance.
  

• Sommelier India Wine Magazine: India’s first and leading wine magazine, delivering industry insights.
  

• GuildSomm: A premier international platform for wine education.
  

• RIEDEL: A renowned glassware company enhancing the wine-tasting experience.
  

These partnerships not only provide educational opportunities but also open doors for career development and networking within the global wine community.

Bridging Global Standards and Indian Talent

SAI has played a pivotal role in making prestigious international certifications accessible to Indian sommeliers. For the first time, Indian professionals were able to sit for the ASI Certification 1 Exam and the ASI Diploma Exam—opportunities previously unavailable in the country. This has empowered Indian sommeliers, such as Abhishek Batabyal, Yash Karnwal, and Jai Singh, to achieve recognition at the global level. In particular, Pankaj Singh made history by passing the ASI Diploma Exam, a monumental achievement for the Indian sommelier community.

Transforming the Future of Indian Sommeliers

SAI’s efforts are reshaping the landscape of wine education in India, positioning the country’s sommeliers to thrive on the global stage. “We are not only nurturing homegrown talent but giving it a truly international platform,” says Mattia Antonio Cianca, Co-Founder & Vice-President of SAI.

With the support of its global partners and the enthusiasm of its members, SAI is set to pave the way for a new generation of wine professionals who will represent India with pride on the world stage.

As the Indian wine industry continues to evolve, SAI is committed to further advancing the country’s reputation as a hub for wine education, appreciation, and hospitality. Through its ongoing initiatives, the association is not only fostering a community of skilled sommeliers but also nurturing a culture that celebrates the rich diversity of wines and beverages.

"SAI was born out of a vision to create access, opportunity, and recognition for Indian sommeliers on a global stage," says Amrita Singh, Co-Founder & President of SAI. "This recognition is just the beginning of a transformative journey for the Indian hospitality and wine & beverage community."

About Sommeliers Association of India (SAI)

Founded in 2024, the Sommeliers Association of India (SAI) is a leading non-profit organization dedicated to promoting excellence in the sommelier profession. As a member of the Association de la Sommellerie Internationale (ASI), SAI offers world-class education, certifications, and networking opportunities for wine professionals across India. Its initiatives, including the SAI Best Sommelier of India Competition, provide a platform for Indian sommeliers to showcase their talent and advance to international competitions such as the ASI Contest Best Sommelier of Asia & Pacific and the ASI Contest Best Sommelier of the World.

SAI is committed to making India a leading hub for wine culture, promoting responsible consumption, and supporting the growth of the country’s rich wine tradition.

Holiday Inn Chennai OMR IT Expressway is celebrating a remarkable achievement as its General Manager, Mr. Divakar Shukla, has been honoured with two of the industry’s most coveted recognitions, marking a significant milestone in his professional journey and reinforcing the hotel’s commitment to excellence.

Mr. Shukla received the “General Manager of the Year 2024 – Midscale” award at the HVS ANAROCK HOPE 2025 summit held in Goa. Additionally, he was honoured with the “General Manager of the Year – Mid Market & Upper Mid-Market Hotel Segment” at the prestigious Hotel Investment Conference – South Asia (HICSA) 2025 in Mumbai. These accolades, from two of the hospitality industry’s most respected platforms, shine a spotlight on his exceptional leadership and operational expertise.

In response to the dual recognition, Mr. Shukla shared, “It is an incredible honor to be recognized by two of the industry's most respected platforms. These accolades are a testament not only to my personal journey but also to the collective efforts of our exceptional team at Holiday Inn Chennai. Together, we remain committed to creating memorable guest experiences and setting new benchmarks in midscale hospitality.”

Mr. Shukla’s leadership has played a pivotal role in strengthening the hotel’s position as a preferred choice among both business and leisure travellers in Chennai’s dynamic IT corridor. His strategic focus on guest satisfaction, team development, and service consistency has resulted in notable growth and brand recognition for the property.

Under his guidance, Holiday Inn Chennai OMR IT Expressway, owned by InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), continues to offer globally benchmarked service while embracing the warmth and cultural essence of Indian hospitality. The hotel’s rising profile is a direct reflection of Mr. Shukla’s vision and his ability to blend international standards with personalised service experiences.

These awards not only celebrate an individual’s achievements but also highlight the strength of teamwork, passion, and commitment at the heart of great hospitality. With Mr. Shukla at the helm, Holiday Inn Chennai is set to scale new heights in delivering quality, comfort, and consistency in the midscale hospitality segment.