New Delhi has emerged as a new hub for the expansion of the footwear industry

• The 10th India International Footwear Fair (IIFF) was held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi from August 6 to 8, 2026.

• The objective of this three-day B2B event was to showcase the potential of the Indian footwear industry while fostering new opportunities for investment, trade, and exports.

• The fair was organized by the India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, in collaboration with the Confederation of Indian Footwear Industries (CIFI).

• India's footwear industry plays a vital role in the national economy. The sector provides employment to approximately 4.5 million people, and India accounts for about 12 to 13 percent of global footwear production.

• However, India's share in global footwear exports stands at only around 2 percent. This gap between production capacity and export share indicates significant potential for the Indian industry to expand in the international market.

• Events like the India International Footwear Fair play a crucial role in connecting the sector to the global market.

• Here, manufacturers and business owners get the opportunity to connect with new buyers, familiarize themselves with modern technology and designs, and explore new supply chain opportunities.

• This B2B-focused platform also paves the way for business partnerships, investments, and potential agreements.

• Given the footwear industry's growing production base, such platforms can prove instrumental in strengthening India's presence in the global market and boosting its export potential.