Amazon Inc. has announced a series of new partnerships with major government institutions to support traditional artisans, women-led businesses, early-stage startups, and research-driven logistics innovation across India. The company said the collaborations are designed to widen market access and strengthen capability development while contributing to India’s long-term economic priorities.

The agreements involve the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), and Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya (GSV) under the Ministry of Railways. According to Amazon, the combined effort will provide targeted support for skill development, digital enablement, and innovation programmes across the country.

Samir Kumar, Country Manager, Amazon India, said the partnerships reflect a long-term commitment to India’s growth. “We are committed to working closely with these Government of India institutions to support artisans, entrepreneurs, and the evolving logistics ecosystem. These collaborations are opportunities to contribute to India’s long-term development goals while expanding access and opportunity for communities and businesses across the country,” he said.

The announcement follows Amazon’s confirmation that it will invest $35 billion in India over the next five years, a move the company said could generate 3.8 million cumulative jobs. It comes shortly after Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and pledged to invest $17.5 billion in India.

As part of its logistics-focused initiatives, Amazon is collaborating with Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya, India’s first university dedicated to transportation and logistics. The partnership, formalised through an MoU, will cover research on freight corridors, multimodal transport systems, technology-led logistics solutions, and sustainability projects. It also includes publishing a report on warehousing challenges and the creation of a dedicated research chair at GSV.

Prof Manoj Choudhary, Vice Chancellor of GSV, said the partnership will play an important role in shaping the sector.
“GSV is committed to shaping the future of India’s logistics sector through rigorous research and specialised talent development, being the only university for the sector in the country. Our collaboration with the logistics leader Amazon India brings valuable industry insights that will help informed planning, design, and innovation across logistics and transportation through coworking projects,” he said.

Amazon has also joined hands with MoMSME to support the PM Vishwakarma Scheme, which works with traditional craftspeople such as blacksmiths, potters, carpenters and goldsmiths. These artisans will be onboarded to the Amazon.in marketplace under its Karigar programme, giving them a digital storefront to sell apparel, home décor, jewellery and other handmade products.

Dr Rajneesh, Additional Secretary and Development Commissioner at the MSME Ministry, said the partnership will help strengthen the livelihoods of craftspeople.
“The PM Vishwakarma Scheme aims to strengthen India’s traditional artisans by improving access to tools, training, and markets. Our collaboration with Amazon India will support these artisans in participating more meaningfully in the digital economy and in building sustainable livelihoods, contributing towards our vision of a Viksit Bharat,” he said.

The agreement with DPIIT expands the Saheli Accelerate programme, increasing support from 18 to 50 women-led enterprises with a focus on Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. Amazon will also prioritise onboarding for direct-to-customer startups joining its marketplace.

Sanjiv, Joint Secretary at DPIIT, said the collaboration will broaden support for early-stage ventures. “DPIIT continues to work toward strengthening India’s innovation landscape, especially among women-led businesses and young startups. Startup India’s collaboration with Amazon India helps extend these efforts by broadening access to mentorship, markets, and early-stage support,” he said.

The Amazon.in marketplace is operated by Amazon Seller Services Private Ltd, an affiliate of Amazon.com, Inc.