61% Of Indians Could Develop Romantic Feelings For An AI Chatbot: Reveals McAfee Study

* 84% of Indians say online dating scams including deepfake audio, video, and imagery, and text and email scam messages, have impacted their ability to trust potential matches.

* 51% of Indians have been approached by an AI chatbot posing as a real person on a dating platform or social media.

* Social media (96%) is the most preferred platform, alongside dating websites and apps (91%), and messaging apps (84%) to meet potential partners, opening a vast pool for potential scammers.

As Valentine’s Day approaches, love is in the air – and so are scams. As millions turn to dating apps, social media, and messaging platforms to find love, new McAfee India research reveals an alarming rise in AI-driven romance scams, fraudulent dating apps, and deepfake deception – making it harder than ever for hopeful romantics to tell the difference between true love and a digital con.

The Rise of the AI-Powered Fauxmance

While online dating has become a popular method for meeting potential romantic partners., the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) in this realm has brought about new challenges.

61% think it’s possible for people to develop romantic feelings for an AI chatbot. Approximately half (51%) reported that they or someone they know have been approached by an AI chatbot posing as a real person on a dating platform or social media. This has raised concerns about emotional vulnerabilities, with 38% believing that forming an emotional bond with an AI chatbot increases susceptibility to scams.

"Online dating has indeed revolutionized our approach to forging connections with potential partners. However, our survey highlights that it comes with its own set of challenges. 84% of Indians say online dating scams including deepfake audio, video, and imagery, and text and email scam messages, have impacted their ability to trust potential matches. As we navigate the complexities of the digital age, it's crucial to remain vigilant and continually educate ourselves about the ever-evolving online scams.” highlights Pratim Mukherjee, Senior Director of Engineering, McAfee.

The Online Romance Boom 

In today's digital dating scene, Indians prefer social media platforms over dating apps or websites to connect with potential romantic partners, with Instagram (85%) leading, followed by Snapchat (46%), WhatsApp (55%), and Telegram (50%). Among dating apps, Tinder (61%) is the most popular, followed by Facebook Dating (36%), Bumble (33%), and Match (23%). As more people search for love online, the risk of scams rises, with scammers using fake profiles and AI-driven deceptions to target unsuspecting online love seekers.

Scammers impersonating famous personalities

Social media has become a common platform for scams involving impersonation of celebrities or well-known figures. 42% of individuals reported that they or someone they know has been approached on social media by someone claiming to be a celebrity or a well-known figure. These impersonators often engage targets through fan-based interactions, creating a sense of authenticity and trust.

The impact of falling for such a “celebrity” scam can be severe. Of those who fell for it or knew someone who did, 47% experienced financial loss, 48% lost personal information leading to potential identity theft, and 56% experienced emotional distress. Many have faced scams where they were offered fake chances to meet or collaborate, romantic interest, expensive giveaways, and VIP passes.

Online Romance Scamiverse:

Real v/s what’s Fake

69% of Indians say they’ve come across “fake profiles” and/or photos that look AI-generated on dating websites or apps, or on social media. This includes 34% who’ve seen these on mainstream dating platforms (for example, Tinder, Bumble, OkCupid, Match, Hinge, Happn), 54% on social media platforms (for example, Facebook, Instagram, X / Twitter), 21% on specialized dating platforms (for example, Facebook Dating, Bumble), 15% on chat forums or communities (for example, Reddit, Quora, various gaming platforms), and 12% on professional networking platforms like LinkedIn. 

While 34% have had the misfortune of interacting with a scammer disguised as a romantic prospect, 28% of individuals found themselves conversing with what they believed was a potential love interest, only to later discover it was an AI-generated bot.

Financial Loss

A significant 70% of people have either been scammed out of money, valuables, other assets, or been pressured to buy gifts or send money by someone they met online. These scams are not limited to one platform; they are prevalent across social media (42%), dating apps (19%), and text or email (19%).

Victims were scammed or asked for an average of ?364,939, with 32% unable to recover their losses, highlighting the financial risks of online interactions and the need for vigilance.

How to Stay Safe While Looking for Love Online

With online romance scams on the rise, McAfee urges daters to be extra cautious and offers the following advice:

Question too-good-to-be-true matches – If someone avoids video calls, moves conversations off-platform quickly, or declares love too soon, proceed with caution.

Verify their identity – Reverse image search profile pictures and check social media activity to confirm if they are who they claim to be.

Protect personal information – Scammers use small details like birthdays or pet names to guess passwords and commit identity theft.

Never send money or gifts – No legitimate romantic partner should ever ask for financial assistance.

Use online protection tools – Tools like McAfee Scam Protection can detect and block suspicious messages, phishing attempts, and AI-generated fraud in real time.

Invest in holistic online protection like McAfee+. Use products that provide maximum identity, privacy, and device protection. Help keep yourself and your family safe online with protection that detects and protects against suspicious links and sites so you can browse online with greater confidence. For those with a supported device, take advantage of McAfee Deepfake Detector to alert you of deepfake audio within videos.

About McAfee

McAfee Corp. is a global leader in online protection, dedicated to safeguarding consumers from evolving cyber threats. Focused on protecting people, not just devices, McAfee provides intuitive, integrated security solutions to help individuals and families stay safe in an always-connected world. Learn more at www.mcafee.com.

Research methodology 

A McAfee survey, which focused on the topic of romance scams and the impact of these scams on consumers, was conducted online in February 2025. 7,000 adults in the US, UK, France, Germany, India, Japan, and Australia, age 18+, participated in the study. 

Shraddha Eye Care, Padma Shri Awardee Dr. Ramana Rao’s ‘Village Clinic’ Partner To Improve Access Across Rural Bangalore

*       Signed a MoU to establish a dedicated ophthalmic wing at Dr. Rao's clinic, with advanced eye care services to underserved rural patients of Bangalore

*        43% require prescription glasses, 40% have untreated cataracts and 72% Patients are Females, indicating a critical need for specialised vision care services to underserved communities

Shraddha Eye Care Trust, the non-profit wing of Nethradhama Super Speciality Eye Hospital signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Sunday, with Padma Shri Dr. B. Ramana Rao, the renowned Bangalore-based Physician and Cardiologist, to provide eye care services at his ‘Bhanuvara Grama Chikitsalaya’, also known as Sunday Village Clinic in T.Begur, Bangalore.

Dr. B. Ramana Rao has been running a free medical clinic every Sunday for over 51 years, offering a variety of critical primary medical services and bridge the healthcare gap by making specialized healthcare services accessible to the underserved communities. The Village Clinic has become a lifeline for many individuals below poverty line who have limited access to quality healthcare.

The Village Clinic offers comprehensive, free healthcare, including basic health checkups like blood pressure and blood sugar, electrocardiograms (ECGs), nebulization, dental, oral care, medications, injections, and free hot meals for Patients traveling long distances. Dr. Sri Ganesh and Shraddha Eye Care Trust are now joining hands to offer a new Ophthalmic wing established at Dr. Rao's Village Clinic, fully equipped and operated by Shraddha Eye Care Trust, to bring quality eye care services to the rural Patients.

“Quality healthcare is a basic human right and everyone deserves access to specialized treatment and advanced technology. Our collaboration with Shraddha Eye Care Trust allows us to provide just that, expanding our eye care services with a dedicated Ophthalmic wing. This will make a real difference in ensuring good eye health for all. The new Ophthalmic wing represents a significant milestone, bringing us closer to our goal of accessible and comprehensive healthcare for all rural communities,” said Padma Shri Dr. B Ramana Rao.

This dedicated eye care facility within the existing clinic structure will offer comprehensive eye care services. This partnership would ensure that patients visiting the camp can access quality eye care services, and address the critical need for advanced eye care services in underserved rural areas around Karnataka.

Prof. Dr. Sri Ganesh, Founder and Managing Trustee at Shraddha Eye Care Trust & CMD of Nethradhama Hospitals Pvt Ltd added, “We are honored to partner with Padma Shri Dr. Ramana Rao and his Village Clinic. The need for quality eye care in rural areas is immense. Many suffer from preventable vision loss simply because they lack access to basic eye care services. This collaboration will enable us to reach more people in rural Karnataka, and provide them with quality eye care services with advanced clinical equipment and specialty care. Through this partnership, we expect to conduct comprehensive eye examinations for the Patients who lack access to healthcare services.”

Over 2,000 people from across Karnataka visit the camp every Sunday to avail the facilities. Around 43% Patients were unaware that they need prescription eyeglasses, while 40% have untreated cataracts, which need a dedicated Ophthalmic care within the centre. This highlights the immediate need for proactive eye care intervention in rural communities.

Mia By Tanishq Partners With Swiggy Instamart To Deliver Stunning Silver Jewellery In 10 Minutes

Mia by Tanishq, one of India’s trendiest precious fine jewellery brands, announces its collaboration with Swiggy Instamart, marking its entry into the burgeoning quick commerce space. Starting this week, Mia’s exquisite silver jewellery collection will be available on Swiggy Instamart in more than 35 cities, including Gurgaon, Delhi, Kolkata, Pune, Bengaluru, Chennai, Mumbai, and Hyderabad. The operations will be offering customers the convenience of doorstep delivery of silver jewellery in under 10 minutes.

This partnership leverages Swiggy Instamart’s position as a market leader in quick commerce, known for its exceptional communication and operational excellence, to enhance the e-commerce experience for consumers. The collaboration aligns with Mia by Tanishq’s strategy to expand its omni-channel presence, reaching new customers through diverse sales channels. As part of this partnership, Mia will introduce a range of stunning silver jewellery catering to the growing demand for precious jewellery in the quick commerce market. Whether it’s a special occasion or a thoughtful gift, Mia's silver jewellery promises to bring a touch of elegance and good fortune, delivered swiftly and seamlessly.

Sampurna Rakshit, Marketing & E-commerce Head - Mia by Tanishq, shared her thought on the collaboration: “This is an effort at our end to prioritise our consumers convenience and be present wherever the users are. Owing to Mia’s exquisite design language coupled with our affordable pricing, we have always been India’s favourite gift of choice. As quick commerce transforms the way India shops, consumers are also looking for stylish jewellery gifting options from trusted brands. So we are thrilled to partner with Swiggy Instamart, who can get many more consumers to access and experience our brand at their fingertips.”

This strategic collaboration highlights the growing trend in the Indian retail landscape, where quick commerce platforms are emerging as key touchpoints for consumers prioritizing convenience. It ensures that customers are well-informed about Mia’s beautiful collections and the ease with which they can access these offerings through Swiggy Instamart.

Take Control Of Your Online Security This Safer Internet Day With Tips From Visa

As more of our daily activities move online—whether for work, socializing, or shopping—scammers use sophisticated methods to steal information and money from unsuspecting consumers. This Safer Internet Day on February 11th, Visa shares tips to help you protect your digital information.

Secure Your Devices with Biometrics: Use biometric security features in your phones and laptops like fingerprints or facial recognition – these provide a higher degree of security compared to traditional PINs and passwords that may get compromised, especially for digital payments.

Tokenise your cards if you have not done it yet: The RBI made it compulsory for cards to be tokenised for online transactions so your payments are safe and secure. In a market where almost 100% of cards are now tokenised, don’t get left behind!

Use trusted websites: The most common red flag is a website address that does not start with https:// which means there is a potential security issue on it. For an app, download from a trusted app store to protect sensitive information and reduce the risk of malicious software.

Read privacy policies: It might not be the most exciting read, but checking privacy policies helps you understand how your data is being used. Know what you’re agreeing to so you make informed decisions.

Know What to Do if You’re a Victim of Fraud: If you suspect online fraud, immediately contact your bank or payment provider as well as log a complaint on the National Cyber Crime Helpline by dialing 1930 to report any unauthorised transactions.

By following these tips, you can make your digital experience more secure. Stay vigilant and proactive to protect yourself from the growing risks of the digital world, this Safer Internet Day!

About Visa

Visa (NYSE: V) is a world leader in digital payments, facilitating transactions between consumers, merchants, financial institutions and government entities across more than 200 countries and territories. Our mission is to connect the world through the most innovative, convenient, reliable and secure payments network, enabling individuals, businesses and economies to thrive. We believe that economies that include everyone everywhere, uplift everyone everywhere and see access as foundational to the future of money movement. Learn more at Visa.com.

Toyota Kirloskar Motor Reaffirms Commitment to Karnataka’s Growth and Sustainable Future at Invest Karnataka 2025 Global Investors Meet

* TKM honoured with an investment certificate for its investment in a third manufacturing plant, driving infrastructural development in the state

Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) proudly reaffirms its commitment to Karnataka’s sustainable growth and inclusive development through its participation in the Invest Karnataka 2025 Global Investors Meet (GIM), being held from February 11th to 14th, 2025, at Bangalore Palace, Bengaluru. Under the theme ‘Reimagining Growth’, GIM 2025 serves as a global platform uniting industry pioneers, policymakers, and investors to explore transformative opportunities in sustainability, innovation, and industrial progress. With a rich history in Karnataka spanning over 25 years, TKM remains deeply committed to supporting the state’s aspirations for economic growth, job creation, and green mobility.

Ms. Manasi N. Tata, Vice Chairperson, Mr. Swapnesh Maru, Deputy Managing Director Corporate Planning, Green Field Project and Mr. Sudeep Dalvi, Chief Communication Officer, Senior Vice President & Head of State Affairs, along with senior leadership from TKM are actively participating in the event advocating for responsible industrialization, clean mobility solutions, and the future of sustainable manufacturing in India. As a highlight of the event, the Government of Karnataka honoured TKM with a prestigious ‘Investment Certificate’ for reinforcing its role in Karnataka’s economic progress. TKM was recognized for its investment in a third manufacturing plant in November 2023, a move aimed at expanding production capacity by 1,00,000 units annually and generating 2,000 new jobs.

Honoured to receive the “ Investment Certificate”, a testament to our dedication to driving innovation, fostering industrial excellence, and shaping a sustainable future for Karnataka.

Since its inception in 2010, GIM has served as Karnataka’s premier investment platform, fostering economic growth, industrial innovation, and policy dialogue. As a longstanding partner of Karnataka’s development journey, TKM has been a consistent and active participant, contributing as a key industry partner and thought leader. The ongoing GIM 2025 continues to be a key catalyst in attracting investments and propelling Karnataka’s vision for a sustainable and inclusive future—a vision that resonates deeply with Toyota’s Vision of “Grow India & Grow with India ”

As a key contributor to India’s mobility transformation, TKM is actively participating in the Future of Innovation Pavilion, showcasing its leadership in sustainable mobility. The company is also a proud sponsor of VentuRISE, an initiative supporting startups in EV technology, electronic systems, clean mobility, and advanced manufacturing. Through this collaboration, TKM is nurturing an ecosystem of innovation and entrepreneurship, empowering businesses to drive the next phase of India’s green mobility revolution.

As part of its engagement at GIM 2025, TKM is hosting three exclusive experience zones, highlighting its commitment to sustainability, technological advancement, and skill development:

Sustainability Pavilion: Showcasing Toyota Environmental Challenge 2050, green manufacturing initiatives, and the eco-friendly layout of its plant at Bidadi, Karnataka.

Green Technology Zone: Featuring xEV technology, hybrid and electric drive systems, Toyota’s latest hybrid electric “All new Camry” and Corolla FFV-SHEV

Skill Development & CSR Initiatives: Displaying TKM’s contributions to the Skill India and Make in India missions, alongside its societal well-being programs, including Toyota University initiatives and CSR-driven educational projects.

Sharing her thoughts, Ms. Manasi N. Tata, Vice Chairperson - Toyota Kirloskar Motor said, “At Toyota Kirloskar Motor, our journey has always been about creating lasting value for society through innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity. Karnataka, a progressive state, has been the foundation of our growth in India, and we are deeply grateful for the opportunity to give back to the community through our continued investments in industrial progress and clean mobility solutions.”

Speaking at the occasion, Mr. Swapnesh. R. Maru, Deputy Managing Director - Corporate Planning, Green Field Project - Toyota Kirloskar Motor said, “At Toyota Kirloskar Motor, we believe that sustainability is about living in harmony with nature, seamlessly weaving together people, progress, and the planet to create a home where no one is left behind. Our journey toward green mobility is driven by a deep sense of responsibility to create a cleaner, safer, and more inclusive future for generations to come. Our participation in Invest Karnataka 2025 is a testament to that vision. Through our multi-pathway approach to carbon neutrality, we are driving meaningful change in the Indian automotive landscape and remain steadfast in our vision of contributing to ‘Viksit Bharat’ by fostering an ecosystem of collaboration, innovation, and responsible manufacturing. Together, with every step we take, we move closer to a world where growth and environmental responsibility go hand in hand.” 

Speaking at the occasion Mr. Sudeep Dalvi, Chief Communication Officer, Senior Vice President & Head of State Affairs – Toyota Kirloskar Motor said, “Sustainability is at the core of Toyota’s global philosophy, and at TKM, we are dedicated to pioneering clean and efficient mobility solutions that align with India’s carbon neutrality goals. We are grateful to the Government of Karnataka for its progressive policies and strong support, which have fostered a robust industrial ecosystem, enabling Karnataka to emerge as a key hub for manufacturing and innovation under the ‘Make in India’ vision. The state’s forward-thinking approach has not only accelerated the adoption of green mobility but has also strengthened the foundation for skill development and localization. Through our participation in Invest Karnataka 2025 GIM, we continue to support the state’s industrial ecosystem by nurturing technological advancements, skill development, and responsible manufacturing practices."

For over 25 years, Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) has been a trusted partner in Karnataka’s industrial growth, investing ?16,000 crores with an additional ?4,000 crores under execution, including a new third plant with a capacity of 1,00,000 units annually. Beyond manufacturing, TKM is committed to skilling, localization, and sustainability, with the Toyota Technical Training Institute (TTTI) expanding to 1,200 students, including 600 female students, to empower Karnataka’s youth. Additionally, TKM is strengthening Karnataka’s skill ecosystem by developing 16 Government Tool Room & Training Centers (GTTC), with plans to expand to 36 by 2026, and partnering with 49 ITIs, having trained 2,975 students so far, with a target of 88 institutes. Through initiatives like Toyota Gurukul, which has produced 705 Skill Champions, and 26 Centers of Excellence (CoE) in colleges, TKM continues to enhance employability and nurture industry-ready talent. With 90% localization of key models like Innova and Fortuner and 92% of steel sourced domestically, TKM continues to reinforce Karnataka’s role as a global manufacturing hub, with its e-drive unit at Toyota Kirloskar Auto Parts (TKAP) supplying exports to Japan and global markets.

TKM’s commitment to sustainability and community development is reflected in its Bidadi plant running on 100% renewable energy, 89.3% of water demand met through rainwater and recycling, and 96.4% of waste being recycled. The Toyota Ecozone has educated 40,000+ school children, while afforestation efforts have resulted in 328,000 trees being planted. Through the Toyota Technical Training Institute (TTTI), TKM is empowering underprivileged rural youth in Karnataka by enhancing their skill sets, fostering employment opportunities, and contributing to the state’s overall development. TKM also drives social impact through road safety awareness for 1.4 million people, water conservation for rural families, and health and hygiene programs benefiting 100,000+ students. Additionally, TKM’s various CSR initiatives have touched the lives of 2.3 million people, reinforcing its commitment to holistic community development. As TKM participates in Invest Karnataka 2025, it reaffirms its deep-rooted commitment to Karnataka, ensuring its legacy of innovation, sustainability, and job creation continues to shape the state’s future as a global leader in green mobility and responsible manufacturing.

JICA And Government Of Uttarakhand Collaborate To Promote Market-Oriented Production And Distribution Model

* The Uttarakhand Integrated Horticulture Development Promotion Project aims to enhance productivity, strengthen supply chains, and improve market access for farmers

Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and Department of Horticulture and Food Processing, Government of Uttarakhand signed the Records of Discussions, an official agreement document, for a Technical Cooperation Project (TCP) titled, “Uttarakhand Integrated Horticulture Development Promotion Project” with the on January 17, 2025.

The project aims to promote stable production of horticulture crops and strengthen marketing system through the dissemination of integrated model of market-oriented production and proper management of distribution facilities in two districts of Uttarakhand -- Tehri Garhwal and Nainital. The four-year long project is expected to contribute a longer term object to expand market-oriented production and distribution model throughout Uttarakhand state.

With 39% of Uttarakhand’s total population engaged in primary sector including agriculture and 90% of farmers owing on less than two hectares of land, the state has significant potential for horticulture development. However, challenges such as limited access to advanced techniques, inadequate infrastructure, and the impact of climate change have hindered growth. While JICA’s ongoing Official Development Assistance (ODA) loan with the department focusses on strengthening Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), enhancing supply chains, and increasing productivity of high-value crops, the Technical Cooperation Project will accelerate the progress and maximize the impact of ODA Loan Project.  The project will mark the beginning of a full-scale implementation of Smallholder Horticulture Empowerment and Promotion (SHEP) approach, an approach developed by JICA that enables farmers to better align their production with market demands.

Commenting on the launch, Mr. TAKURO Takeuchi, Chief Representative of JICA India, stated, “This project is testament to our commitment to foster sustainable and inclusive growth in Uttarakhand’s agriculture sector. Through the combined efforts of Government of India and JICA, we are not only addressing long-standing challenges in the horticulture sector but also laying the groundwork for empowering smallholder farmers with market-oriented tools and strategies. The signing of the Record of Discussions not only marks the beginning of SHEP scale-up in Uttarakhand but also serve as a model for other states.  We look forward to working closely with all stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of this project.”

The project will focus on capacity development of human resources such as District Horticulture Officers and extension staffs. Additionally, the active involvement of key stakeholders—including the Department of Horticulture and Food Processing (DHFP), local authorities, and JICA experts, will play a crucial role in providing technical guidance and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the initiative.

The signing of the Record of Discussion marks a significant milestone in laying the foundation for the project's successful execution. Through continued collaboration, both parties will work towards developing better infrastructure and its efficient use, enhancing market opportunities, and equipping farmers with the necessary resources and knowledge to thrive in the horticulture sector. This initiative aims to strengthen agricultural productivity, contribute to broader socio-economic development by fostering sustainable livelihoods, boosting rural economies, and promoting long-term resilience in Uttarakhand’s horticulture industry.

Encourage "Make In India" To Expand Indian Stone Industry From 50k Crore To 100k Crore: Krishan Kumar Vishnoi

"It is time we encourage "Make in India" and Indian youth and offer them more opportunities, improve their skills and eventually grow the stone & granite industry from Rs 50000 crore to Rs 100000 crore. Today upgradation of technology has made processing of stones very efficient,” stated Shri Krishan Kumar Vishnoi, Minister of State for Commerce & Industries, Govt of Rajasthan while inaugurating the STONA 2025 at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre.

Commending the organisers for their outstanding exhibit, bringing under one platform the various stakeholders of the natural stone industry, both at the national and international level, besides lending a stage to traditional artisans, Shri Vishnoi thanked Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi.

Suggesting FIGSI to look into various aspects of global development in terms of technology intervention, processing of waste generated at the quarrying sites, through research and development in their Centres of Excellence, he added, “This will also bring in value addition and provide skill sets to labour associated with the natural stone industry.” 

The 16th edition of the bi-annual STONA, the third largest international Stone Fair, opened its doors to a packed audience in Bengaluru today at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre. STONA 2025 is host to over 3500 stalls spanning over an area of more than 46,000 Sqm with country pavilions from 18 countries.

Referring to the current challenges faced by the natural stone industry, Mr Krishna Prasad, President FIGSI, said, “We look forward to the new amendments from the State to iron out the challenges the industry is currently facing.” 

Besides the stalls, STONA 2025 will also be hosting a seminar pertaining to geology, on the topic of ‘Skilling and use of technology for safe and sustainable mining’ where scientists and eminent speakers will participate. Given the strong intent to promote stone artisans of India, the Stone Fair also has a special set of stalls called Shilpgram where close to 25 artisans from across the country have their stalls, exhibiting their skills and wares. 

“The Shilpgram initiative of STONA facilitates direct interaction of artisans with prospective buyers, both at the national and international level, giving them exposure to what the market needs as well as to the consumers on the extent of skills that our traditional artisans harbour”, added Mr Manoj Kumar Singh, Secretary, FIGSI. 

Commenting on the sustainability quotient of the natural stone industry, especially the quarry waste, Mr S Krishna Prasad stated, “Currently the accumulation of quarry waste is posing a threat to environment. Yet, this waste can be constructively utilised as a value added product such as in the use of aggregates, M-sand, usage in road construction and much more. The waste needs to be viewed as an asset and used in accordance.” 

About: Federation of Indian Granite and Stone Industry–STONA 2025:

Federation of Indian Granite and Stone Industry (FIGSI) is a nonprofit all India organization serving the natural stone industry of India from the last 41 years and having 1500 members across the country. FIGSI has become the voice of the Indian natural stone industry. FIGSI works to grow the industry and serve the nation. The Federation works as a bridge between the Industry and Various Government Departments in Central and State level. It proactively promotes up-gradation of technology aimed at mine safety, productivity, cost efficiency and quality improvement. The Chief objective of the Federation being promotion of the Natural Stone Industries, which come under the category of Ornamental or Decorative building stones like Granites, Marbles, Sandstones, Slates, Quartzite and ancillary and auxiliary Industries of Machinery, Tools, Abrasives, Consumables related to stone Industries and conduct Conferences, workshops on each and every aspect of Stone Industry.

Over the years it has created maximum awareness in the international stone markets for exotic Indian stones and brought continuous interaction between Indian Stone industries and World Stone Trade.

Federation conducts international stone fair popularly known as STONA which is well recognized all over the world and it is 3rd largest stone fair in all over world. STONA enjoys participation of who’s who of the industry both national and international, as exhibitors and visitors. It provides an excellent opportunity to showcase the products in an increasingly competitive environment and interact with Industry.