By TIOL News Service

NEW DELHI, FEB 20, 2025: THE Council for Leather Exports (CLE) is organising the 6th Edition of the Delhi International Leather Expo (DILEX) - Reverse Buyer Seller Meet (RBSM) during 20th and 21st February 2025 at the India International Convention & Expo Centre (IICC), Yashobhoomi, Dwarka, New Delhi, with funding support from the Government of India under the Market Access Initiative (MAI) Scheme. This landmark event is poised to strengthen India's position in the global leather and footwear industry.

The 6th edition boasts expanded participation with approximately 225 Indian exhibitors showcasing their latest collections across an 8,000-square-meter exhibition area, a significant increase from the previous edition. Its global reach has also grown, with over 200 foreign buyers from nearly 52 countries, including key markets in Europe and the U.S., compared to just 130+ last time. The event will take place in Hall 1B at IICC, offering a world-class venue, while robust domestic engagement is ensured with over 500 representatives from Indian buying houses, retailers, and trade buyers, fostering extensive networking opportunities.

During the inauguration of the 6th Edition of the Delhi International Leather Expo (DILEX), organized by the Council for Leather Exports (CLE), Vimal Anand, Joint Secretary of the Department of Commerce, remarked that the event marked a significant milestone in India's global trade journey. He noted that in the post-COVID recovery phase, India's leather and footwear industry had demonstrated exceptional resilience by expanding exports and positioning the country to achieve its ambitious targets, including a goal of USD 7 billion for FY 2025-26.

Anand, also shared that with favorable policies, such as import duty exemptions on wet blue leather and enhanced credit guarantees for MSMEs, India is well-positioned to capitalize on emerging global shifts-particularly in light of geopolitical changes and new market access opportunities, including tariff adjustments and the "China Plus One" demand.

RK Jalan, Chairman, Council for Leather Exports at the inauguration of DILEX 2025 said, "The 6th Edition of the Delhi International Leather Expo (DILEX) 2025 opens doors for the global leather and footwear sector amidst an evolving geopolitical landscape. As the world recovers from the pandemic and contends with disruptions like the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Trump Tariff era and China's aggressive trade policies, India's leather industry has shown resilience, achieving consecutive months of growth. With a positive trajectory, we aim to reach the Department of Commerce's USD 7bn export target and position India among the top 5 global exporters by FY 2025-26."

As India continues to expand its footprint in the global footwear and leather market, DILEX 2025 provides a critical platform for fostering international trade and collaboration. The event facilitates one-on-one business meetings, allowing manufacturers and exporters to engage directly with international buyers, thereby exploring viable sourcing alternatives. At a time when India is increasingly recognized as a "China Plus One" sourcing option, DILEX 2025 reaffirms the country's commitment to innovation, sustainable growth, and excellence in the leather and footwear sectors.