The 6th Edition of the Delhi International Leather Expo (DILEX) commenced at the India International Convention & Expo Centre (IICC), Yashobhoomi, Dwarka, New Delhi, bringing together key players from the global leather and footwear industry. Organized by the Council for Leather Exports (CLE) with support from the Government of India under the Market Access Initiative (MAI) Scheme, the event serves as a vital platform for fostering international trade and collaboration.
With an expanded exhibition space of 8,000 square meters, this edition of DILEX has drawn approximately 225 Indian exhibitors, showcasing their latest collections to a diverse international audience. The event’s global outreach has significantly increased, welcoming over 200 foreign buyers from 52 countries, including major markets in Europe and the U.S., compared to the previous edition’s 130 participants. In addition, more than 500 representatives from Indian buying houses, retailers, and trade buyers are attending, ensuring a dynamic networking environment.
During the inaugural session, Shri Vimal Anand, Joint Secretary of the Department of Commerce, highlighted the expo’s significance in India’s global trade journey. He emphasized the resilience of India’s leather and footwear industry in the post-COVID era, noting its steady export growth and positioning towards achieving an ambitious USD 7 billion export target for FY 2025-26. Shri Anand also pointed out that favorable government policies, including import duty exemptions on wet blue leather and enhanced credit guarantees for MSMEs, are creating new opportunities for Indian manufacturers, especially in light of shifting global trade dynamics.
Shri RK Jalan, Chairman of the Council for Leather Exports, spoke about the evolving geopolitical landscape and its impact on global trade. He highlighted how disruptions such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the lingering effects of the Trump-era tariffs, and China’s aggressive trade policies have prompted international buyers to seek alternative sourcing destinations. He reaffirmed India’s commitment to strengthening its position in the leather and footwear market and reiterated the country’s goal of becoming one of the top five global exporters by FY 2025-26.
DILEX 2025 provides a crucial platform for Indian manufacturers and exporters to engage in direct business discussions with international buyers, enabling them to explore new sourcing alternatives and strategic partnerships. As India gains recognition as a “China Plus One” option in global supply chains, the event reaffirms the country’s commitment to innovation, sustainable growth, and excellence in the leather and footwear industries. By fostering meaningful business connections and showcasing India’s craftsmanship, DILEX 2025 is set to contribute significantly to the industry’s future growth and global positioning.
