Where development meets heritage — that is the promise behind the 45th India International Trade Fair (IITF 2026), now open at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. Union Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh announced the fair's inauguration on Sunday, 15 November 2026, calling it a symbol of the confluence of vikas aur virasat — progress and heritage.

Posting on X, Singh described the fair as a showcase of 'the country's economic progress, rich culture, and the unique contribution of MSMEs and startups,' anchored to its theme of Vikas aur Virasat. The annual trade fair, organised by the India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO), has been a fixture every November since 1980 — making 2026 a significant milestone edition.

Bharat Mandapam as the new trade stage

Bharat Mandapam, the state-of-the-art Integrated Exhibition-cum-Convention Centre at Pragati Maidan, was dedicated to the nation in July 2023, replacing the older fairground infrastructure that had hosted IITF for decades. The venue upgrade signalled a deliberate push to elevate India's exhibition economy — giving exporters, craftspeople and industry delegates a world-class platform to close deals and build connections.

The shift is more than cosmetic. A modern venue with expanded hall capacity and seamless logistics changes what a trade fair can actually do — fewer bottlenecks, larger delegations, more serious buyers. For MSME exporters who rely on the IITF to reach international markets without the cost of overseas trade missions, the difference matters.

MSMEs and startups at the centre of IITF 2026

Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises have long been the spine of the India International Trade Fair, contributing the majority of participating units and reflecting the government's Vocal for Local push. IITF 2026 continues that emphasis, spotlighting startups alongside traditional MSME clusters — a pairing that captures the dual ambition of the Vikas aur Virasat theme: honoring craft traditions while accelerating innovation.

For Minister Singh, whose textiles portfolio puts him at the intersection of heritage handlooms and modern manufacturing, the fair is a natural platform. India's textile and handicraft sector — a major MSME employer — has historically been among the most visible presences at the November fair.

Watch for export orders, MoUs and participation numbers as the fair progresses through its run — those figures will tell the real story of whether the 45th edition converts footfall into actual trade momentum.