Amit Shah to Inaugurate CO-OP Kumbh 2025: India’s Big Leap in Cooperative Banking

When the doors of New Delhi’s iconic Vigyan Bhawan open on November 10, 2025, the atmosphere will be charged with anticipation. It’s not just another conference—it’s the “CO-OP Kumbh 2025,” a grand confluence designed to redefine the cooperative banking narrative for the digital era. And at its helm will be Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah, who will officially inaugurate this two-day international event organized by the National Federation of Urban Cooperative Banks and Credit Societies (NAFCUB).

Set against the backdrop of the International Year of Cooperatives, CO-OP Kumbh 2025 promises to be one of the largest and most impactful gatherings for the cooperative banking ecosystem. It’s where policy will meet innovation, tradition will embrace technology, and the cooperative movement will step into its next big phase of digital evolution.

A Gathering of Cooperative Leaders and Policymakers

The event will bring together an impressive lineup of 1,200 chairpersons and CEOs from urban cooperative banks across India—leaders who form the backbone of the country’s local banking networks. “It will be one of the largest gatherings of stakeholders in the cooperative credit sector,” said Laxmi Dass, President of NAFCUB.

The platform aims to facilitate meaningful dialogue between policymakers, regulators, and financial institutions to collectively chart the future of cooperative credit in India. With participation from the Reserve Bank of India, nationalised banks, and the Ministry of Cooperation, the conference will address key themes that are currently shaping and challenging the sector.

Adding further weight to the event, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal will deliver the keynote address during the concluding session. His presence underscores the government’s commitment to nurturing the cooperative sector as a critical pillar of India’s financial inclusion agenda.

Focus: Technology, AI, and Digital Transformation

Themed “Technology and Transformation in Cooperative Banking,” CO-OP Kumbh 2025 will shine a spotlight on how artificial intelligence, data-driven decision-making, and digital innovation are reshaping the cooperative banking landscape.

As India continues to push its digital finance revolution, urban cooperative banks are being called upon to modernize their operations and enhance customer experience while maintaining their traditional values of community-driven finance. This event will act as a knowledge exchange hub—where innovation meets implementation.

A special CEO Panel Discussion will see banking leaders deliberate on critical subjects like AI-driven banking, open finance, digital identity, and policy frameworks that can foster sustainable growth. These conversations will not just remain theoretical; they will aim to create actionable strategies to empower cooperative banks to compete and collaborate in the rapidly evolving digital economy.

Cyber Resilience and Risk Management Take Center Stage

In a world increasingly vulnerable to digital threats, the conference will also emphasize cyber resilience—a pressing need for financial institutions. Sessions on fraud prevention, cyber risk management, AML (Anti-Money Laundering), and KYC (Know Your Customer) frameworks will bring together experts and regulators to discuss real-world solutions.

NAFCUB aims to use this opportunity to strengthen operational resilience among urban cooperative banks, ensuring that technology adoption goes hand-in-hand with robust security practices. With cyber incidents on the rise globally, this focus on building a strong, secure, and compliant cooperative banking ecosystem couldn’t be timelier.

Building the Future of Cooperative Banking

At its core, CO-OP Kumbh 2025 is more than a conference—it’s a movement. A movement to bridge the gap between traditional cooperative models and futuristic digital finance. By fostering dialogue, collaboration, and knowledge exchange, the event seeks to equip cooperative banks with the tools and insights they need to thrive in the era of fintech and AI.

For India’s cooperative sector—often called the financial lifeline of small towns and semi-urban areas—embracing innovation is no longer optional. It’s essential for survival and relevance in a tech-led financial landscape.

As Amit Shah inaugurates this landmark event, and as leaders, regulators, and innovators come together under one roof, the message will be clear: India’s cooperative banks are ready to evolve, adapt, and lead.