The Delhi International Leather Expo (DILEX) 2025 began on Thursday, attracting buyers from 52 countries and reinforcing India’s position as a key global leather supplier. The government has set an ambitious $7 billion export target for the sector in FY 2025-26.
Now in its 6th edition, DILEX has expanded significantly, with 225 Indian exhibitors displaying their latest collections across an 8,000-square-meter area. More than 200 foreign buyers, up from 130 in the previous edition, are attending, alongside 500 representatives from Indian retailers and trade houses.
Organized by the Council for Leather Exports (CLE), DILEX 2025 is being held at the India International Convention and Expo Centre (IICC) in Dwarka with support from the government’s Market Access Initiative (MAI) Scheme. The event aims to strengthen India’s role in global leather and footwear markets.
Vimal Anand, Joint Secretary of the Department of Commerce, highlighted India's post-COVID recovery and policy-driven advantages such as import duty exemptions on wet blue leather and enhanced credit guarantees for MSMEs. These measures position India to benefit from shifting global trade dynamics and "China Plus One" sourcing strategies.
CLE Chairman RK Jalan emphasized India’s resilience amid geopolitical disruptions, including the Russia-Ukraine conflict and shifting U.S. trade policies. He noted that India’s leather industry is experiencing consistent growth, aiming to secure a top-five spot in global exports.
DILEX 2025 provides a crucial platform for Indian manufacturers and exporters to connect directly with international buyers, fostering trade collaborations and exploring new sourcing opportunities.
