Noida: Union textiles minister Giriraj Singh on Tuesday inaugurated the 62nd Indian Handicrafts and Gifts Fair (IHGF) at the India Expo Centre and Mart in Greater Noida. The fair runs till Oct 17. Singh said exports have risen from Rs 27,547 crore in 2014 to over Rs 50,000 crore this year so far.“Exports play a vital role in driving economic growth, creating employment opportunities and strengthening local industries. There are over 9,000 exporters with buyers from over 100 countries. Greater participation in global trade helps our artisans, manufacturers and exporters reach new markets, contributing to the overall development of the state and the nation. Such progress reflects the growing strength of India’s manufacturing and export ecosystem,” Singh said.Organised by the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH), the B2B fair, also called the Delhi Autumn Fair, brings India’s rich tapestry of craftsmanship and design innovation. Buyers from over 80 countries are expected to attend, including the UK, Australia, Germany, France, the UAE, etc. The fair’s main highlights include lifestyle products, handicrafts, fashion, interiors, textiles, lights and lamps, Christmas gifts and more.The fair is expected to host over 3,000 exhibitors spread across 17 halls, offering an extensive array of products, including home décor, textiles, fashion, furniture, handicrafts, lifestyle and more. The event will also feature curated areas such as a young designer collective and a trend booth, which offer unique insights and innovations to meet global market requirements.In addition to facilitating sourcing, the fair will include seminars on global buyer trends for 2027, production and sourcing in the world of AI and insights into how exporters can leverage online visibility for verified global orders. The overall handicraft exports during the year 2025-26 alone were Rs 33,168 crore (US $3,754 million).The fair also highlights India’s strategic focus on enhancing market access through recent trade agreements with countries such as the UAE, Australia, the UK and New Zealand.Dr Neeraj Khanna, chairman of EPCH, emphasised the importance of these agreements, expecting them to broaden Indian exporters’ reach, especially in European markets, with increased buyer participation. “Over the past three decades, the IHGF Delhi Fair has evolved into a trusted sourcing platform for international buyers. It’s a platform for meaningful networking opportunities and productive matchmaking between buyers and Indian exporters, particularly in light of the craftsmanship that sustains this vibrant sector,” said Khanna.The fair will also feature a Trend Booth and curated collections by select handloom weavers and handicraft artisanpreneurs from across India, deputed by the Office of the Development Commissioners (Handlooms and Handicrafts). Additionally, the Young Designers’ Collective will bring together designers with established credentials from India’s premier design institutes.“Since its inception in 1994, IHGF Delhi Fair has evolved into one of the world’s leading marketplaces and a preferred destination for global buyers. This edition celebrates India’s exceptional craftsmanship and expanding capabilities for manufacturers, exporters, and artisans,” Dr Rakesh Kumar, director general of EPCH, said.According to EPCH executive director Rajesh Rawat, handicraft exports during the 2025-26 financial year amounted to Rs 33,168 crore (US $3,754 million).
The fair brings India’s rich craftsmanship and design innovation in lifestyle, handicraft, home decor, fashion, interiors and more
