Axis Bank and India SME Forum Honor India’s Top 100 MSME Leaders

NEW DELHI:
Axis Bank, one of India’s largest private sector banks, in partnership with India SME Forum, today, hosted “The India SME 100 Awards 2025” in New Delhi. The event felicitated the nation’s top performing Micro, Small Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) for their exceptional achievements in the SME industry and their contribution to India’s economic growth and innovation.

The event was graced by the presence of several distinguished dignitaries, including Sushri Shobha Karandlaje, Minister of State for the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Ministry of MSME, Amitabh Chaudhry, MD & CEO, Axis Bank, Vijay Shetty, President & Head – Commercial
Banking Group, Axis Bank and Prahlad Kakkar, Chairman, India SME Forum. Their insightful speeches and support underscored the vital role MSMEs play in India’s economic development.

The 11th edition of India SME Awards received an over-whelming nomination from over 27,500+ MSMEs across the nation. The top 100 MSME winners were evaluated on various parameters including their growth performance, financial strength, innovation, people capital, international outlook and
corporate governance. The winners represent diverse industries, including technology, manufacturing, healthcare, finance, agriculture, and consumer goods.

The geographic diversity of the winners was a testament to the widespread entrepreneurial spirit across India. Maharashtra led with 17 winners, followed by Tamil Nadu (12), Delhi (11), Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh (10 each), Gujarat and Haryana (8 each), and Rajasthan (7). States like West Bengal, Telangana, Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Kerala, and Goa were also well represented. Additionally, 22 winning enterprises were led by women, highlighting the significant contribution and leadership of women in the business sector.

Speaking on the occasion, Amitabh Chaudhry, MD & CEO, Axis Bank said, “India’s MSMEs are not just entrepreneurs; they are engines of progress, shaping the nation’s economic destiny with their ingenuity and determination. At Axis Bank, we support MSMEs, partner with them, give wings to their aspirations, equipping them with the right financial solutions to transform challenges into opportunities. As these enterprises scale new frontiers, they reinforce India’s position as a global economic powerhouse. We congratulate this year’s winners and take immense pride in celebrating their success while reaffirming our commitment to their growth.”

Prahlad Kakkar, Chairman, India SME Forum, stated, “The India SME 100 Awards not only recognize achievements but also inspire future entrepreneurs. MSMEs are the backbone of our economy, and their resilience, innovation, and determination continue to drive India’s growth.”