New Delhi, Nov 12: The 45th edition of the India International Trade Fair (IITF) is set to bring India’s industrial strength, cultural diversity and entrepreneurial potential under one roof, with more than 3,500 exhibitors expected to participate at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi from November 14 to 27.
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Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal will inaugurate the 14-day event on November 13 as the chief guest. The opening ceremony will feature an Odissi performance by Padma Shri awardee Guru Madhavi Mudgal and her group.
Organised by the India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO), IITF 2026 will be held under the theme ‘Vikas aur Virasat’, highlighting the country’s development journey alongside its cultural and traditional strengths.
The fair will spread across 17 exhibition halls, covering more than one lakh square metres. It will bring together participants from 32 States and Union Territories, 51 Central Ministries, government departments, public sector undertakings and public sector banks, besides international exhibitors from 11 countries.
States and international participants to showcase diversity
Bihar, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh have been designated as Partner States, while Assam, Delhi, Jharkhand and West Bengal will participate as Focus States.
State and Union Territory pavilions will highlight regional products, traditional crafts, local industries, tourism opportunities, cultural heritage and development initiatives.
The international segment will feature country pavilions and exhibitors from Thailand, Iran, Ghana, Nepal, Afghanistan, the UAE, Turkey, China, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, creating opportunities for business networking and cross-border trade partnerships.
ITPO Chairman Jawed Ashraf said the fair would celebrate India’s progress, diversity and heritage, while giving special attention to young entrepreneurs and district-level products.
Around 600 start-ups to feature in Hall of Inspiration
One of the major attractions this year will be the Hall of Inspiration in Hall 14, where around 600 Indian start-ups will showcase innovations across sectors such as deep technology, agriculture technology, drones, space, healthcare and education technology.
The platform is expected to provide emerging enterprises with greater visibility and opportunities to connect with buyers, investors and wider markets.
The One District One Product (ODOP) Pavilion will bring together participants from 21 States, showcasing distinctive products, crafts, cuisine and cultural traditions from districts across the country. The initiative will highlight local entrepreneurs, artisans and traditional skills.
Another new attraction, Playverse@Mandapam, will offer an interactive digital experience combining entertainment and learning, particularly for young visitors and families.
Wide range of products across exhibition halls
The fair will feature a diverse range of consumer and industrial products. Country pavilions will be located in Hall 1, while Partner and Focus States, Central Ministries, PSUs and public sector banks will occupy Halls 2 to 5.
Halls 8 to 14 will showcase products across several categories, including electronics, consumer durables, textiles, footwear, kitchen equipment, processed food, spices, agricultural produce, handicrafts, furniture, cosmetics and jewellery.
A food court with more than 90 outlets will offer Indian and international cuisines. ITPO has said food quality, hygiene, waste management and reduced plastic use will receive particular attention.
MSMEs and small businesses to get wider market access
Beyond product displays, IITF continues to serve as a platform for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), start-ups, artisans and small traders to reach new customers and explore business opportunities.
The fair is expected to facilitate business-to-business and business-to-consumer interactions, helping smaller enterprises connect with potential buyers and expand their market presence.
ITPO is also working to provide Indian start-ups with exposure at international events, including VivaTech in Paris and the upcoming Singapore FinTech Festival. The initiative is aimed at connecting emerging businesses with global networks and opportunities, including those from Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities.
Cultural programme to feature 87 performances
The cultural calendar will be another major attraction, with 87 performances, recitals and shows scheduled across seven venues.
The programme will bring together classical and folk traditions, featuring established performers as well as emerging talent. Highlights include The Manganiyar Seduction, Tal Fry, Hariharan and Prithvi Gandharva, Shahzad Ali, Salim–Sulaiman and Ruhaniyat, featuring performers from Nigeria.
Tickets for selected performances will be available through BookMyShow, while other cultural programmes representing 19 States and organisations will be accessible free of charge with IITF entry.
Visitor facilities, security and digital services strengthened
ITPO has planned several facilities to improve the experience of visitors, exhibitors, delegates and media representatives. These include a dedicated Media Lounge, Protocol Lounge, internal mobility support, shuttle services, golf carts, designated cab pick-up points, parking areas, B2B networking facilities and lost-and-found assistance.
Security arrangements will be coordinated with Delhi Police and ITPO, with particular attention to international pavilions in Hall 1. Medical centres, first-aid facilities and emergency response services will also be available across the venue.
The fair will feature large LED mesh installations of approximately 1,000 square metres each at Halls 1 and 14, along with plans for around 100 LED screens across the complex. More than 30 screens are expected to be installed during the event.
ITPO is also working towards developing Bharat Mandapam as a year-round destination for exhibitions, cultural programmes and public engagement. A cultural hub with a proposed seating capacity of around 2,000 is also part of the plans.
Business Days from November 14; public entry from November 19
The first five days of the fair, from November 14 to 18, will be reserved for business visitors. General public entry will begin on November 19 and continue until November 27.
The fair will remain open from 10 am to 7.30 pm, while general public entry will be permitted until 5.30 pm.
Tickets can be booked online through the official portal at booking.indiatradefair.com, through the IITF 2026 mobile application or offline at 55 Delhi Metro stations. Season tickets will be available for both Business Days and General Days.
Senior citizens and persons with disabilities will be allowed free entry on General Days upon presentation of valid government-issued identification.
Visitors can enter through Gate Nos. 3 and 4 on Bhairon Road and Gate Nos. 6 and 10 on Mathura Road.
IITF app to support navigation and ticketing
The IITF 2026 mobile application, available on Google Play and the Apple App Store, will provide ticket booking, visitor registration and an interactive venue map with navigation and shuttle routes.
It will also feature a directory of pavilions and exhibitors, a cultural events calendar, business networking facilities and access to the ITPO helpdesk. A one-tap SOS facility has also been included.
Coordination with Delhi Metro and transport service providers is intended to make travel to and from Bharat Mandapam more convenient. Shuttle services, designated app-cab and auto pick-up points, parking arrangements and wheelchair assistance will also be available.
A major platform for trade and cultural exchange
The India International Trade Fair is one of the country’s leading multi-product exhibitions, bringing together government institutions, industries, businesses, start-ups, MSMEs and artisans from India and overseas.
With its mix of trade opportunities, start-up showcases, regional products, international participation and cultural programmes, the 45th edition aims to strengthen business connections while presenting India’s economic progress and heritage.
