G. Kalyan Kumar
The 44th edition of the India International Trade Fair (IITF), held at the Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi concluded on November 27. The IITF 2025 had a theme focused on the developed, vibrant India—‘Ek Bharat-Shreshtha Bharat’ (One India-Glorious India).
Organised by the India Trade Promotion Organisation under the Commerce Ministry of India the trade fair attracted over 2 million (20 lakhs) visitors.
The trade fair opened on November 14, with the first four days devoted to exclusive business visits, and it opened to the general public on November 19.
Jitin Prasada, the Union Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, inaugurated the event on 14 November.
In his address, the Union Minister noted that IITF has evolved as a vibrant platform that reflects India’s growing innovation and the aspiration for a developed and self-reliant future.
Prasada observed that IITF has become a major trade event in South Asia, and its success is encouraging India’s MSMEs phenomenally.
In the Trade fair, domestic presence included pavilions from 30 states and union territories, 60 ministries, 2000 exhibitors and hundreds of public sector units. They showcased their major attractions and success stories.
The IITF of 2025 had partner states in Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and Bihar, while Jharkhand was the focus state.
Foreign pavilions
Nearly a dozen foreign countries set up their trade pavilions. They included Egypt, the UAE, China, Iran, Thailand, Tunisia, Sweden, Afghanistan, South Korea, Turkey, the Tibet Chamber of Commerce, and Lebanon.
The visitor footfall was massive in all pavilions. The artisan stalls were no exception. The visitors were treated to the rich traditions of Odisha, cultural artifacts of Bihar, Bhagalpur sarees, and Jammu and Kashmir's iconic pheran, among others.
Other notable items were paintings from Jammu and Kashmir's Basohli, Bengal's Patachitra, Chamba's handkerchief, terracotta crafts, and Karnataka's Bidriware. The visitors also purchased regional products like pickles, fruits, dal, spices, jaggery, and many varieties of rice.
Delhi and other state pavilions
The Delhi pavilion charmed with many of its exhibits, including the trending Farshi salwar, papier-mâché handicrafts, khadi creations, and wedding attires. The pavilion, designed as the Red Fort tableau, relived the shopping experience of Chandni Chowk streets.
The Jharkhand state pavilion impressed with its theme of sustainability and green innovation. The state’s Forest and Environment Department showcased how sisal or agave products are boosting the state’s agri-economy.
The economic potential of the hardy plant is reshaping rural livelihoods by becoming a source for bioethanol. The sisal plantations in the state are expanding fast. From the current 450 hectares, it will be adding 100 more hectares in the next couple of years.
The stalls of Jammu and Kashmir majestically showcased traditional pheran, pashmina shawls, wall hangings, cushion covers, and book covers.
Defence pavilion presents innovations
The defense pavilion hogged considerable limelight after it made a comeback to the trade fair after a gap of many years. The presence of a large number of defense production companies outlined the growing strength, innovation, and self-reliance of the defense manufacturing ecosystem.
The DDP pavilion marked a strong ensemble of India’s indigenous defense capabilities and emerging collaborations across the industry.
The defense sector companies showcased state-of-the-art products, cutting-edge technologies, and innovations across land systems, naval platforms, aerospace, and many other emerging technologies.
In the pavilion, 16 Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) and start-ups under the Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) program created a strong impression on the visitors.
The IITF 25 has been attended by exhibitors of all kinds. The artisans, small traders, and first-time entrepreneurs rejoiced over the buoyant sales and business networking provided by the trade fair. Many exhibitors also praised the economic support system that helped in building connections with the stakeholders and also in expanding market reach for traditional crafts.
Many regional players found the IITF platform to be a powerful window to a national marketplace with exposure to bulk buyers.
Women entrepreneurs as Lakhpati Didis
A notable lineup of the IITF 2025 was that of successful women entrepreneurs mentored by various self-help groups in rural pockets. Their substantial participation under the Central government's Lakhpati Didi initiative was a big attraction in Halls 8, 9, and 10.
They displayed various handicrafts as part of the Saras Aajeevika Mela. Nearly 300 “Lakhpati Didis” showcased a wide range of their products, including handlooms, handicrafts, and food items. The promotion helped them build a larger customer base, and visitors got a new perspective on how harnessing skills can unlock the economic potential of rural India and build a marketplace for its varied crafts.
Among the pavilions of PSUs, those of the Airport Authority of India, Ayush, and Khadi India were very impressive.
Cultural events and VIP visits
The IITF also had some VIP visits. The visit of Afghanistan's Industry and Commerce Minister Alhaj Nooruddin Azizi, along with a delegation to the Trade Fair on Nov 21, was an indication that the buzz about IITF is resonating internationally.
During the fortnight, the trade fair visitors were treated to many cultural programs at various venues. They included musicals, folk dances, and other regional cultural expressions. A massive food court ensured that the visitors enjoyed their choicest cuisine and beverages from various states.
The Afghanistan pavilion
The novelty of the annual IITF excites visitors as they see that government departments, states, PSUs, MSMEs, start-ups, international exhibitors, and artisan collectives are all under one roof building a stellar national platform beneficial for all kinds of trade and business stakeholders.
Awards for top exhibitors
As the curtains came down on the 44th edition of the India International Trade Fair (IITF) on 27th November, the high point was a vibrant award presentation ceremony.
Neeraj Kharwal, Managing Director, ITPO, complimented the award winners at the Awards for Excellence in Display event.
The awardees included Rajasthan winning the Gold Medal in the Partner State category, where Bihar won Silver and Uttar Pradesh received the Bronze Medal. Maharashtra received a special commendation.
In the Focus State category, Jharkhand received the Gold Medal. Among the states and union territories group, Odisha bagged the gold medal, while Madhya Pradesh received silver, and Puducherry won the bronze medal.
Special commendations went to Delhi, Goa, and Karnataka. In the area of thematic presentations by various states, Meghalaya won the gold medal, while Kerala bagged the silver and Andhra Pradesh the bronze medals.
As the eventful 14 days passed, the visitors and other stakeholders are now looking forward to the next edition of the trade fair in November 2026.
