India International Footwear Fair 2026 Opens in New Delhi

The 10th India International Footwear Fair (IIFF) 2026 was held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, from 6 August to 8 August 2026. The three-day business-to-business exhibition was organised by the India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, in association with the Confederation of Indian Footwear Industries (CIFI).

India’s Footwear Industry

India’s footwear sector employs nearly 4.5 million people. It accounts for about 12% to 13% of global footwear production. India’s share in global footwear exports is around 2%.

Production Linked Incentive Scheme

The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme is a central government scheme linked to incremental production and sales. In the footwear sector, it is used to support manufacturing capacity, investment, and export-oriented production.

Technical Textiles in Footwear Manufacturing

Technical textiles are fabrics designed for functional use rather than aesthetics. In footwear manufacturing, technical fabrics form over 90% of the material base. These materials are used in components such as uppers, linings, reinforcements, and performance layers.

Important Facts for Exams

• Bharat Mandapam is a major exhibition and convention venue in New Delhi.
• ITPO functions under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
• CIFI stands for Confederation of Indian Footwear Industries.
• India’s footwear exports account for about 2% of the global total.

Bihar Footwear and Leather Sector

A dedicated session titled “Bihar: The Next Frontier of Global Footwear Manufacturing” was held during the fair. Bihar received investment proposals worth ₹125 crore in its footwear and leather sector, and these proposals are projected to generate 1,800 jobs.