60th IHGF Delhi Fair-Autumn 2025 Inaugurated at India Expo Mart

Delhi/NCR – 13th October 2025 – The 60th IHGF Delhi Fair-Autumn 2025, organized by the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH), from 13th to 17th October 2025 at the India Expo Centre & Mart, Greater Noida was inaugurated today by Tarun Rathi, Vice President, Film Development Council (MoS Rank), Government of Uttar Pradesh, Film Producer and President – Pravasi Sangh (NGO), in the august presence of Ramveer Singh, MLA, Kundarki (Moradabad); and Dr. Evgeny Grivia, Deputy Trade Commissioner, Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation.

Tarun Rathi, Vice President, Film Development Council (MoS Rank), Government of Uttar Pradesh, Film Producer and President – Pravasi Sangh (NGO), expressed pride in being part of this globally acclaimed platform that celebrates India’s rich handicraft heritage and congratulated EPCH for transforming the fair into a premier sourcing destination, attracting global buyers, designers and industry leaders. Commending the presence of buyer from Russia and China at the Fair, he opined that with the US imposing twice the Tariff on China, compared with India, not only revives US buyers to increase their sourcing from India, it also opens wider doors for Indian exporters to cater to China as a significant market. He also assured the continued strong support of the Govt. of India and of Uttar Pradesh to EPCH, IEML and the Handicrafts sector as a whole.

Ramveer Singh, MLA, Kundarki (Moradabad) expressed his happiness to learn that 40% of the exhibited products at this grand fair are from Moradabad region.

Dr. Evgeny Grivia, Deputy Trade Commissioner, Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation, called IHGF Delhi Fair, an excellent medium to promote the handicrafts industry and provide an opportunity for buyers to explore assortments and innovations in multiple categories, as suited to their individual markets. This is also a significant knowledge sharing, inspiration gathering and networking platform, he added and emphasised, “India and Russia share a 70-year-long trade relationship. While there have been gaps in certain years, we are now witnessing a strong revival and remarkable growth. We see real potential to fully realize this partnership under the capable leadership of both nations, and we aim to include the Indian handicraft sector as part of this expansion. We invite our Indian counterparts to visit exhibitions in Russia, as new geopolitical developments are set to usher in a promising era for our bilateral trade.”

The dignitaries also visited the exhibition halls and interacted with the participants. They commended the scale of the displays and the diversity of products showcased through well-executed visual merchandising, all ready to grace showroom floors in leading international markets.

The IHGF Delhi Fair-Autumn 2025 inauguration ceremony was also graced by Dr. Neeraj Khanna, Chairman, EPCH; Dr. Rakesh Kumar, Director General in the role of Chief Mentor, EPCH and Chairman, IEML; Sagar Mehta, Vice Chairman, EPCH; Avdesh Agarwal, Chief Convenor, EPCH; Rajat Asthana, President, IHGF Delhi Fair-Autumn 2025; Vice Presidents, IHGF Delhi Fair- Autumn 2025 – Simrandeep Singh Kohli, Rohit Dhall and Mohit Chopra; Former Chairmen’s & CoA Members-EPCH:- Ravi K Passi, Raj Kumar Malhotra; R. K. Verma, Executive Director, EPCH; and other prominent overseas buyers, buying agents from India as well as leading member exporters of EPCH. This edition has brought together 3000+ exhibitors in 16 dedicated halls for elaborate display segments of home, lifestyle, fashion, furnishing, furniture and interior products. Besides exhibitor booths in the halls, visitors have access to the 900 Marts/permanent showrooms of leading exporters, located on various levels of the India Expo Centre that are all decked up and replenished for the sourcing days.

In his welcome address, Dr. Neeraj Khanna, Chairman, EPCH shared, “It is a privilege to welcome all participants to this milestone 60th edition of the IHGF Delhi Fair, organized in a refreshed and innovative format to mark this special occasion. Several enhancements in the show have been made possible with the support of our committee members, and I commend the EPCH team for presenting the fair so beautifully and aesthetically. This edition carries forward our illustrious journey, providing a rich sourcing platform for some of India’s finest crafts. Each edition acts as a powerful catalyst for new business opportunities, building fresh buyer relationships while showcasing an ever-expanding product range.”

Speaking about buyer traffic to the fair, he added, “In recent months, EPCH delegations participated in major European fairs, connected with international buyers, and many have accepted our invitations to attend this edition. Some show organizers have also expressed interest in visiting IHGF to witness the scale of the fair and capabilities of India’s manufacturing sector. We are pleased with the strong buyer registration so far. 3,000 buyers registered today representing 100 nations, reflecting the fair’s global appeal and the growing confidence in Indian handicrafts. Domestic volume buyers are traveling from across India to conduct business at the fair, aided by reduced GST costs on handicrafts, which will help expand domestic trade as well.” Dr. Khanna also informed that the U.S. imposing additional tariffs on Chinese imports, opens a significant opportunity for Indian exporters. “We are engaging U.S. buyers to capitalize on this shift, as increased tariffs on China could potentially redirect demand toward India, creating a level playing field and opening substantial export opportunities,” he added.

Dr. Rakesh Kumar, Director General, in the role of Chief Mentor, EPCH and Chairman-IEML, warmly welcomed all dignitaries. Making a special mention of the Chief Guest’s association with the film industry he said, “We are delighted to have Tarun Rathi present at the fair. The upcoming Film City near Jewar Airport will also benefit the handicrafts industry, as our manufacturers will have opportunities to supply props for film sets.” Speaking about the fair and the present evolving business landscape he added,

“We must work collaboratively to adapt and stand up to these changes. Many of our exporters, just like the 60 years old IHGF Delhi Fair, are senior citizens in their golden years, and by leveraging their experience, we can mentor the next generation to navigate the renewed business dynamics. Though the fair celebrates its 60th edition, it retains the zeal and enthusiasm of a vibrant young fair, growing in scale and stature with each edition. Our buyers feel the momentum as soon as they enter the fair venue.”

Affirming this sentiment, Sagar Mehta, Vice Chairman, EPCH, added, “Our exhibitors at the IHGF Delhi Fair have invested considerable effort in product design and development, ensuring their offerings reflect evolving market trends and international buyer preferences. This proactive focus on innovation and quality has been well received by global audiences. The enthusiastic response from international buyers accentuates the positive sentiment surrounding this edition, a momentum echoed by both new and returning visitors from India’s top retail and online brands. It further reinforces the Fair’s importance as a vital sourcing platform for handcrafted excellence and trend-forward collections.”

Welcoming all to the 60th milestone edition of IHGF Delhi Fair Avdesh Agarwal, Chief Convenor, EPCH remarked, “This event stands tall as one of the largest and most prestigious trade fairs in the country—a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit and creativity of our member exporters, who have showcased exquisite craftsmanship and unique products to the world for nearly three decades. Equal credit goes to the international buying community, whose trust and consistent participation over the past 30 years have strengthened this platform.”

Rajat Asthana, President, IHGF Delhi Fair-Autumn 2025, informed, “The fair also resonates with the vision of fostering new ventures while encouraging artisans and exporters to present bold, design-led collections. Adding depth and authenticity to the IHGF Delhi Fair experience, the next three days will feature panel discussions on Beyond Seasons: Trends for Next Generation; and From Maker to Market: Decoding Brand Narrative, Visual Merchandising & Retailing and seminars on Digitalization for Exporters: Application of AI in Making Presentations and Design Mockups; Local Cash & Carry to Global Supply Chain; Best Industrial Practices Used by Other Competitive Markets. How to adopt technology for cutting costs, featuring eminent industry experts.”

R. K. Verma, Executive Director, EPCH said, “The continued trust of international buyers is evident, with active participation at IHGF Delhi Fair for over three decades. This edition began vibrantly, with dynamic buyer registrations, bustling halls, and meaningful business engagements. Overseas buyers from over 110 countries are expected, alongside regular and new visitors from India’s leading retail and online brands.”

Senior and veteran member exporters including D Kumar, Karan Jethwani, Ashok Kumar Gupta, and Sunil Gupta given EPCH Privilege Cards, symbolizing their valued association with the Council.