The 39th edition of the India International Leather Fair (IILF) 2026 is currently underway at the Chennai Trade Centre, Chennai, from 1 to 3 February 2026, reaffirming its position as one of the most significant B2B platforms for the leather, footwear, and allied industries.
The fair was formally inaugurated by Amb. Shri Jawed Ashraf, IFS (Retd.), Chairman of the India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO), in the presence of leading figures from the leather industry, senior government officials, overseas dignitaries, buyers, exhibitors, and media representatives. Alongside IILF, the 9th Designers Fair, organised by the Council of Leather Exports (CLE), was also inaugurated, adding a strong design and innovation focus to the event.
Key dignitaries present included Dr. Neeraj Kharwal, IAS, Managing Director, ITPO; Shri Ramesh Kumar Juneja, Chairman, CLE; Shri R. Selvam, Executive Director, CLE; Smt. L. Bharathi Devi, Managing Director, TNTPO; Shri Vivek Sharma, MD, FDDI; and representatives from leading apex bodies such as IFCOMA, ISF, IFLMEA, and CIFI. The fair has also drawn members of the diplomatic corps, including representatives from Germany, Italy, Australia, and other nations.
During his visit to the exhibition halls, Amb. Jawed Ashraf interacted with exhibitors and appreciated the expanded scale of IILF 2026, especially at the newly constructed halls of Chennai Trade Centre. He highlighted the importance of opening new growth avenues for India’s leather and footwear sector, noting that ITPO remains committed to supporting promotional efforts both domestically and internationally, particularly as India strengthens trade ties through FTAs with the European Union and the UK.
This year’s edition has seen participation from 368 Indian companies and 66 overseas exhibitors, with Germany and Italy featuring dedicated country pavilions. Other participating countries include Australia, Argentina, China, Ethiopia, Hong Kong, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Taiwan, the Netherlands, Turkey, the UAE, and the UK.
As the fair continues, IILF 2026 is serving as a vital platform for networking, sourcing, design exchange, and policy dialogue, reinforcing India’s growing role in the global leather value chain with a strong emphasis on quality, sustainability, and timely delivery.
