The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) works to create and sustain an environment conducive to the growth of industry in India, partnering industry and government alike through advisory and consultative processes.

The history of CII is the story of the transformation of a miniscule association, representing a small segment of industry, to the premier business association of modern India.

The journey began in 1895 when 5 engineering firms, all members of the Bengal Chamber of Commerce and Industry, joined hands to form the Engineering and Iron Trades Association (EITA).

 With effect from 1st January 1992, in keeping with the government's decision to opt for the liberalisation of the Indian economy, the name of CEI was changed to Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). In a new policy environment, it was natural that there would be inter-sectoral integration through a process of diversification and expansion, where the engineering units would diversify into non-engineering units and vice-versa.

Since 1992, through rapid expansion and consolidation, CII has grown to be the most visible business association in India.

CII is a non-government, not-for-profit, industry led and industry managed organisation, playing a proactive role in India’s development process. Founded over 111 years ago, it is India’s premier business association, with a direct membership of over 6300 organisations from the private as well as public sectors, including SMEs and MNCs, and an indirect membership of over 90,000 companies from around 336 national and regional sectoral associations

CII’s theme of “Competitiveness for Sustainable and Inclusive Growth” reflects the Confederation’s commitment to balanced development that encompasses all sectors of the economy and all sections of society, at all levels – Global, National, Regional, State and Zonal.

With 57 offices in India, 7 overseas in Australia, Austria, China, France, Singapore, UK, USA and institutional partnerships with 240 counterpart organisations in 101 countries, CII serves as a reference point for Indian industry and the international business community.