The 9th edition of the Fire & Security India Expo (FSIE) 2026 in Mumbai highlighted the urgent need for stronger fire-safety preparedness as India’s cities and infrastructure continue to expand. Maharashtra ministers stressed that technological innovation, effective safety systems and continuous risk management must remain central to the country’s development and urban growth.
The event brought together government representatives, industry leaders, technology companies, architects, engineers, consultants and safety professionals to discuss ways to strengthen India’s fire, security and emergency-response ecosystem.
Development and Safety Must Move Together
Dr. Pankaj Bhoyar, Maharashtra Minister of State for Home (Rural), Housing, Mining, Cooperation and School Education, stressed that India’s ambition to become a developed nation must be supported by equally strong safety systems.
He said the country should move beyond simply adopting technologies developed elsewhere and focus on creating indigenous solutions capable of serving both domestic and international markets.
Bhoyar highlighted the importance of Make in India and Startup India, encouraging entrepreneurs, manufacturers and technology companies to invest in Maharashtra and develop innovative fire and security products.
He said India should transition from being a technology buyer to becoming a technology creator and exporter. According to him, locally developed safety technologies can generate employment while helping strengthen Maharashtra’s position as a hub for advanced safety solutions.
Bhoyar also underlined that development cannot be separated from public safety. As cities, workplaces and infrastructure grow, safety preparedness must evolve alongside them.
Fire Safety Must Begin at the Design Stage
Smt. Madhuri Misal, Maharashtra Minister of State for Urban Development, Transport, Social Justice, Medical Education and Minority Development, called for a fundamental change in the way fire safety is approached in buildings.
She said safety should not be treated as a requirement that is addressed only after construction is completed or when regulatory approvals are sought. Instead, fire protection must be incorporated into the planning and design of buildings from the beginning.
This approach, she said, should include structural planning, electrical and water systems, evacuation arrangements, firefighting equipment and other emergency systems.
Misal emphasised that these systems must also be regularly inspected, tested and maintained throughout the operational life of a building.
From Certificates to Continuous Preparedness
A key message from the event was the need to move away from a certificate-focused approach towards continuous safety preparedness.
Misal said merely installing fire extinguishers or obtaining a fire NOC cannot guarantee adequate protection. Building owners and operators must ensure that safety systems remain functional through regular inspection, testing and maintenance.
She called for stronger cooperation among government departments, industry, architects, engineers, consultants and technology providers to improve implementation and ensure that safety standards work effectively on the ground.
The minister said FSIE provides an important forum for these stakeholders to exchange knowledge, identify challenges and develop practical approaches to improving fire preparedness.
FSAI Highlights Collective Responsibility
Ms. Rakhi Deepak, National President of the Fire & Security Association of India (FSAI), said safety requires coordinated action from all stakeholders.
She highlighted the importance of collaboration, technology adoption and knowledge-sharing in building a stronger national safety ecosystem.
According to Deepak, the expo provides an opportunity for government agencies, professionals, businesses and technology providers to establish partnerships and exchange expertise with the common objective of creating a safer and more secure India.
Technology Takes Centre Stage at FSIE 2026
Mr. Siddharth Saraf, Co-founder and Director of Nova Exhibitions & Conferences, said FSIE 2026 has been designed as a platform connecting technology, expertise and industry leadership.
The expo focuses on innovative solutions designed to improve fire protection, life safety, security, surveillance, building automation and emergency response.
Technologies such as artificial intelligence, Internet of Things, smart sensors, advanced fire detection and integrated command-and-control systems are among the key areas receiving attention at the exhibition.
These technologies can help organisations detect emergencies faster, improve situational awareness and strengthen coordinated responses during critical incidents.
240+ Brands Showcase Safety Solutions
FSIE 2026 features more than 240 exhibiting brands, over 70 speakers and thousands of industry leaders and decision-makers.
The event brings together companies and professionals from across the fire, safety and security sectors, creating opportunities for business partnerships, technology demonstrations and knowledge exchange.
The expo also reflects the growing importance of proactive prevention as India develops increasingly complex buildings, industrial facilities and urban infrastructure.
Government Support for Safer Infrastructure
FSIE 2026 is supported by the Government of Maharashtra and its Urban Development Department, along with government bodies and institutional stakeholders.
The support highlights the state’s focus on strengthening fire prevention, emergency preparedness and resilient infrastructure.
The event ultimately seeks to encourage a shift from reactive emergency response towards proactive prevention and preparedness. By bringing government, industry and technical experts together, FSIE 2026 aims to promote smarter safety systems and help create buildings and infrastructure that are safer, more resilient and better prepared for emergencies.
The broader message emerging from the expo is clear: India’s development story can become truly sustainable only when economic growth, technological progress and public safety advance together.
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