IITF puts India’s business diversity on display with over 3,500 exhibitors, 600 startups: Officials

NEW DELHI: The 45th India International Trade Fair (IITF) has brought together more than 3,500 exhibitors, around 600 startups and participants from 32 states and Union Territories, showcasing India’s industrial, entrepreneurial and cultural diversity, ITPO Chairman Jawed Ashraf said on Friday.

The fair, being held at Bharat Mandapam from November 14 to 27, also features participation from 11 countries and 51 central ministries, departments and government organisations. The startup participation through the newly introduced Hall of Inspiration is among the key additions to this year’s event.

Speaking on the sidelines of the inauguration of the 45th India International Trade Fair (IITF), Ashraf said, “We also have, in addition to that, about 500 to 600 startups being exhibited for the first time. So, we have a Hall of Inspiration, which will have about 500 to 600 startups on exhibition”.

The fair also features a new digital and immersive zone using artificial intelligence (AI), augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), allowing visitors, particularly young people, to interact with the exhibits. Products under the One District One Product initiative are also being showcased.

#WATCH | Delhi: On the India International Trade Fair, Chairman of ITPO (International Trade Promotion Organisation) Jawed Ashraf says, “There are 3500 plus exhibitors this year. There are 32 states and union territories, and 51 central ministries, departments and governments, so you have very large pavilion. We also have, in addition to that, about 500 to 600 startups being exhibited for the first time. So, we have a Hall of Inspiration, which will have about 500 to 600 startups on exhibition. That’s a new feature that adds space. We’ve got a big, large space, which will be completely new. It’s a digital, interactive and immersive experience using AI, AR and VR. It’s great for the youth to come and even try and do things on their own in that immersive zone. These are all new features that we are bringing in. We’ve talked about the One District, One Product pavilion as well. I see a lot of interest from foreign countries wanting to participate. But we are, at the moment, completely saturated for space. When our space develops more, then I think we’ll see even larger-scale international participation…”

— ANI (@ANI) November 13, 2026

Ashraf said there was considerable interest from foreign countries in participating in the fair, but the available exhibition space had reached full capacity. He said greater space in the future could allow larger-scale international participation.

Commenting on India’s export performance, Ashraf said shipments were growing at double-digit rates despite geopolitical conflicts, trade barriers and sanctions. “Despite all of this, our exports are growing at double-digit rates,” he said, adding that manufactured products, including engineering goods, electronics, refined petroleum products and chemicals, were driving the growth.

He said the trend reflected the contribution of policies, incentives, infrastructure, skills and talent to India’s manufacturing expansion.

Speaking to the media, AAFT University Chancellor and Marwah Studios head Sandeep Marwah highlighted the role of culture in promoting business and craftsmanship, saying, “I think it has never happened that a cultural event has been added to the inauguration of a business promotion event like this.”

#WATCH | Delhi: On the role of trade fairs in promoting industry and craftsmanship, AAFT University Chancellor and Marwah Studios head Sandeep Marwah says, “I think it has never happened that a cultural event has been added to the inauguration of a business promotion event like this… The input towards this particular fair is extraordinary. Let’s pray that it does well. The mood of the country is very nice. People are very progressive. The whole country is developing; we are the fastest-growing country in the world today. Imagine 6.7% GDP is growing. That speaks a lot. It’s unbelievable and see the GDP collection now of the last month. I think it’s remarkable. And that shows that India and Indians are in the real mood to work hard and to prove to the world that we can do it…”

— ANI (@ANI) November 13, 2026

He said the integration of art and culture with business events reflected a change in India’s approach to showcasing its strengths. Marwah also expressed hope that international participation would increase in the next edition of the fair. “The 13 countries participating this time should double next year, that is what I believe,” he said.(ANI)