The Delhi International Leather Expo (DILEX) 2025 kicked off with great enthusiasm on Feb 20, 2025, showcasing India’s growing presence in the global leather and footwear markets. The event drew foreign buyers from 52 countries, reinforcing India’s role as a preferred sourcing destination especially as a ‘China Plus One’ option.
The Indian government has set an ambitious export target of $7 billion for the leather sector in the financial year 2025-26, marking a key milestone in its efforts to position India among the world’s top five leather exporters.
The 6th edition of DILEX has expanded both in size and global reach. With 225 Indian exhibitors, covering a space of 8,000 square meters, the event has grown significantly since its last edition. Over 200 foreign buyers attended, an increase from the previous number of 130, with prominent buyers from the US and Europe.
This growth signifies not only the increasing recognition of Indian leather products but also the sector’s increasing competitiveness on the world stage.
The Council for Leather Exports (CLE), which is organizing the event, emphasized the importance of this expo for fostering business relationships. The event, held at the India International Convention and Expo Centre (IICC) in Dwarka, New Delhi, will also feature the Reverse Buyer Seller Meet (RBSM) from February 20-21.
With over 500 participants, including Indian buying houses and retailers, the platform offers valuable opportunities for networking and collaboration.
In his inaugural address, Vimal Anand, Joint Secretary of the Department of Commerce, highlighted the resilience of India’s leather and footwear industries post-COVID. Despite challenges, the sector has seen consistent growth in exports, positioning the country for future success.
Anand also credited government policies, such as import duty exemptions on wet blue leather and enhanced credit guarantees for MSMEs, which have helped India remain competitive amid global disruptions.
