IHGF Delhi Fair 2026 Receives Strong Buyer–Exhibitor Response, Says EPCH Chairman Dr. Neeraj Vinod Khanna

Greater Noida News (18 February 2026): The 61st edition of the IHGF Delhi Fair – Spring 2026 has witnessed an overwhelmingly positive response from both buyers and exhibitors, according to Dr. Neeraj Vinod Khanna, Chairman of the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH). The fair is being held from February 14 to 18 at the India Expo Centre & Mart, Greater Noida, and is widely regarded as one of the world’s largest dedicated trade platforms for handicrafts.

Organised by the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts, the five-day event has brought together more than 3,500 exhibitors from across India, showcasing a diverse range of handcrafted products to thousands of overseas and domestic buyers.

Speaking to Ten News Network on the concluding day of the fair, Dr. Khanna described the overall outcome as highly encouraging. He stated that the IHGF Delhi Fair is not limited to immediate order generation but plays a crucial role in buyer–seller matchmaking, trend identification, and long-term sourcing partnerships.

He said the fair has been equally positive for exhibitors, overseas buyers, and domestic buyers, with many international visitors coming to India specifically to explore new products, finishes, and sourcing opportunities. According to him, the fair serves as a vital platform for understanding global market trends and strengthening long-term business relationships.

Highlighting the scale and significance of the event, Dr. Khanna noted that participation by over 3,500 exhibitors makes IHGF one of the largest handicrafts fairs globally. He emphasised that Indian handicrafts carry a unique cultural and emotional value that cannot be replicated elsewhere, reflecting the country’s rich heritage and skilled craftsmanship.

Dr. Khanna also credited the success of the fair to the collective efforts of the EPCH team. He praised Avdesh Agarwal, Convener of EPCH, describing him as a mentor and guiding force whose experience and vision have been instrumental in shaping the event. He added that the appreciation received from participants reflects the strong leadership and teamwork within the organisation. He further acknowledged the contribution of the EPCH board, directors, staff, the IEML team, and support staff, including housekeeping personnel, for maintaining high standards of service, cleanliness, and overall venue management.

On international participation, Dr. Khanna said EPCH had expected a significant turnout from the United States, particularly in view of recent tariff-related developments that generated increased interest among American buyers. However, visa-related issues prevented several buyers from attending. To address this, EPCH initiated a dedicated visa helpline to assist overseas participants.

Despite these challenges, the fair recorded strong participation from emerging markets including Argentina, Australia, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, and several Middle Eastern countries. Dr. Khanna noted that many buyers from these regions are visiting India for the first time, which he attributed to EPCH’s focused global outreach and market diversification strategy beyond traditional markets such as the US and Europe.

He also highlighted the growing importance of upcoming Free Trade Agreements, stating that countries covered under FTA frameworks have shown heightened interest in sourcing handicrafts from India. He expressed optimism that once these agreements are implemented, they will significantly boost exports and could make the upcoming financial year one of the strongest for the Indian handicrafts sector.

Commenting on external factors, Dr. Khanna said that while the recently held AI Summit was a major international event, it did not have a direct impact on the fair. However, high hotel occupancy and increased room tariffs during the same period created some logistical challenges for buyers.

Reaffirming his confidence on the final day of the fair, Dr. Khanna said the 61st IHGF Delhi Fair has received an encouraging and robust response from exhibitors and buyers alike. With expanding global participation, focused market diversification, and the anticipated benefits of FTAs, he expressed confidence that future editions, including the October 2026 fair, will see even greater international engagement and sustained export growth for India’s handicrafts sector.

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