According to India Shipping News, the 45th India International Trade Fair (IITF 2026), a highly influential trade and economic event in South Asia, officially opened on November 13 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. Piyush Goyal, Minister of Commerce and Industry, attended the inaugural ceremony as the chief guest. Centered around the core theme of "Vikas aur Virasat" (Development and Heritage), the fair will run until November 27. Serving as a vital window into the pulse of the Indian economy, the exhibition continues to act as a crucial bridge connecting domestic and global markets.
In terms of scale, the organizer, the India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO), revealed that the total exhibition area exceeds 100,000 square meters, with all 17 modern exhibition halls fully operational. Over 3,500 domestic and international enterprises have gathered to build an extensive trade network. International collaboration is a major highlight, with 11 overseas countries—including China, Thailand, Iran, the UAE, and Turkey—setting up dedicated national pavilions to further strengthen cross-border business ties. Meanwhile, 32 Indian states and union territories, alongside 51 central ministries and public institutions, are showcasing the country's diverse industrial base and cultural tourism resources.
The spatial layout of the fair ingeniously integrates modern technology with local culture. Hall 14 features the "Hall of Inspiration," which brings together around 600 domestic startups focusing on cutting-edge sectors such as drones, deep tech, aerospace, healthcare, education, and agri-tech. ITPO Chairman Javed Ashraf noted, "This initiative aims to provide exposure for young entrepreneurs and help them connect with broader markets." Additionally, the "One District One Product" (ODOP) zone, jointly developed by 21 states, showcases traditional handicrafts, local cuisine, and folk customs, vividly demonstrating the vitality of the grassroots micro-economy.
To optimize the visitor experience, the venue's infrastructure has been significantly upgraded. Bharat Mandapam has installed approximately 1,000 square meters of LED mesh screens on the exteriors of Halls 1 and 14, while nearly 100 digital displays are densely distributed throughout the venue. The site not only features engaging digital interactive zones but also includes over 90 F&B outlets, strictly implementing environmental guidelines for plastic reduction and zero waste. The cultural atmosphere is equally prioritized, with seven independent venues hosting a total of 87 cultural performances ranging from folk to classical arts, greatly enriching the overall content of the fair.
From an industry evolution perspective, this year's fair significantly strengthens the empowerment of MSMEs and the innovation ecosystem in tier-2 and tier-3 cities. Leveraging dual B2B and B2C matchmaking mechanisms, IITF is accelerating its transition from a traditional exhibition and sales model to a global resource-linking and industry-incubation hub. Looking ahead, ITPO is fully committed to transforming the convention center into a regularly operated cultural and exhibition landmark and is preparing to build a large-scale cultural center with a capacity of 2,000. This evolution in venue management philosophy not only underscores the rapid momentum of India's exhibition infrastructure but also builds a more efficient and robust channel for international buyers to access the South Asian market.
Regarding the schedule, November 14 to 18 are designated as Professional Buyer Days, followed by a week open to the general public. To facilitate participation from all sectors, the organizing committee has established a multi-channel ticketing network. Attendees can book tickets online via the official website and dedicated app, or purchase them offline at service counters across 55 metro stations in New Delhi.