The 39th edition of the India International Leather Fair kicked off in Chennai on February 1 and it will run till February 3 2026.
The fair was formally inaugurated by Ambassador Jawed Ashraf, IFS Retd. Chairman of the India Trade Promotion Organisation. Senior government officials, leather industry leaders, diplomats and media representatives were present at the opening.
Along with the main fair the 9th Designers Fair organised by the Council of Leather Exports was also inaugurated at the venue.
After the inauguration Ambassador Jawed Ashraf visited several stalls and appreciated the scale of this edition at the Chennai Trade Centre including the newly built exhibition halls. He said the fair reflects new growth avenues for India’s leather and footwear industry.
While speaking to the media he said India is emerging as a strong global manufacturing destination after signing FTAs with the European Union and the UK. He added that ITPO will continue to support promotion of Indian leather products in India and overseas markets.
“Quality and on time delivery are critical if India wants to strengthen its supply chain and improve global performance.”
– Jawed Ashraf, Chairman
India Trade Promotion Organisation
He also said ITPO is exploring the possibility of organising a similar leather fair in New Delhi.
The opening day saw a steady crowd at the venue neither packed nor thin possibly due to Sunday with exhibitors expecting stronger footfall on Monday.
The Chennai edition of IILF once again underlines India’s growing role in the global leather and allied industries and its push to attract international buyers and partners.
