New Delhi: The 44th India International Trade Fair (IITF 2025) is currently underway at Bharat Mandapam, turning the exhibition complex into a vast panorama of India’s cultural diversity, artisanal heritage and emerging technological strengths. The fair, taking place from November 14–27, brings together more than 3,500 participants and features representation from 31 States and Union Territories, along with exhibitors from around 11 countries.
This year’s theme, “Ek Bharat: Shreshtha Bharat,” aims to highlight the unity and collaborative growth of India’s regions. Four states - Bihar, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh - are participating as partner states, while Jharkhand has been named the focus state. Their pavilions anchor the fair with a broad showcase of handlooms, handicrafts, food products, tourism offerings and investment opportunities.
Large ministry-led installations reflect the government’s development priorities. The Ministry of Electronics & IT pavilion features zones on Digital India, IndiaAI and MyGov, giving visitors a glimpse into how digital public infrastructure and responsible AI are shaping services and governance. The Department of Defence Production has brought back a dedicated defence pavilion, highlighting India’s progress in indigenous manufacturing and its Aatmanirbhar Bharat ambitions.
Craft, handloom and MSME participation is a central highlight this year. The National Handloom Development Corporation pavilion alone hosts about 200 stalls with artisans from 29 States and Union Territories, representing more than 50 distinct crafts. The Micro and Small Enterprises and Vishwakarma sections together feature nearly 300 stalls allocated to traditional and contemporary craft producers from across India. These clusters act as major marketplaces for artisans seeking exposure, buyers and long-term orders.
The fair has also expanded its focus on inclusive entrepreneurship. The Department for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities has set up over 40 stalls displaying assistive technologies and products created by entrepreneurs and artisans with disabilities. Regional artisan groups, such as a 35-member delegation from Jammu & Kashmir, have been supported to participate, ensuring wider representation of traditional crafts.
International participation adds another layer to the fair, with exhibitors from a mix of Asian, European and African countries presenting textiles, handicrafts, lifestyle products, food items and technology-based solutions. Dedicated halls for start-ups, MSMEs, public sector enterprises, tourism boards and export promotion bodies make IITF a multi-sector platform where traditional craft clusters, new-age innovations and global exhibitors coexist.
Cultural performances, state-day events, craft demonstrations and buyer–seller meets run alongside business exhibitions, making the trade fair both a commercial and cultural experience. As IITF 2025 continues, it remains a national stage where the country’s heritage, economic aspirations and technological pathway converge - offering visitors a snapshot of an India rooted in tradition yet rapidly moving toward innovation.
BI Bureau
