Mapping the research landscape of circular economy in supply chain: a bibliometric analysis in the Indian context

This study maps the research landscape of Circular Economy (CE) in Supply Chain Management (SCM) within the Indian context, covering the period 2017–2025. Using 397 documents retrieved exclusively from the Scopus database, bibliometric techniques (Bibliometrix R-package, VOSviewer, Microsoft Excel) were applied to analyse publication trends, leading authors and journals, co-citation networks, and thematic clusters. Results reveal a 71.26% annual growth rate in publications, with the Journal of Cleaner Production and Business Strategy and the Environment emerging as the most influential journals. Five thematic clusters were identified, spanning strategic frameworks, technological enablers, organizational readiness, environmental drivers, and technology—CE integration. The study’s originality lies in providing one of the first India-focused bibliometric mapping of CE—SCM research, linking empirical high-impact works to thematic structures and proposing cluster-specific future research agendas. Findings offer targeted insights for scholars, policymakers, and practitioners seeking to advance sustainable and circular supply chain practices in India.