New Delhi / Gurugram, 21 January 2026:
The 74th edition of the India International Garment Fair (IIGF) is set to open on 23 January 2026 at Yashobhoomi, Dwarka, New Delhi, with Shri Giriraj Singh, Hon’ble Union Minister for Textiles, inaugurating the event. The inauguration will be followed by an address from the Minister, underscoring the importance of the fair at a crucial juncture for India’s apparel export sector.
Recognised as one of Asia’s largest garment fairs, IIGF continues to serve as a vital platform connecting MSME garment manufacturers with global buyers, enabling business expansion, design showcasing, and market diversification.
A Strategic Gateway for Export Growth
Commenting on the significance of the upcoming edition, Dr A. Sakthivel, Chairman, Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) and International Garment Fair Association (IGFA), described the 74th IIGF as a defining moment for the industry.
“The 74th IIGF represents a powerful milestone for India’s garment sector. At a time when the industry is navigating global headwinds, the fair acts as a gateway to accelerate export growth. It will play a strategic role in promoting market diversification, encouraging design innovation, strengthening the global appeal of ‘Made in India,’ and offering MSMEs an invaluable opportunity to build brands and connect directly with international buyers,” Dr. Sakthivel said.
He further noted that this edition will bring together over 235 exhibitors from 13 states across India and more than 650 buyers from 65 countries, reinforcing IIGF’s stature as a truly global sourcing platform.
“By fostering deeper engagement across diverse geographies and empowering local manufacturers to scale, this edition of IIGF will contribute to a more competitive, innovative, and globally integrated Indian garment industry,” he added.
Global Buyer Participation Across Continents
The fair will witness wide-ranging international participation, with buyers expected from:
- North America: USA, Canada
- Latin America: Brazil, Colombia, Chile, Argentina
- Europe: UK, Spain, Greece, Italy, France, Germany, Netherlands, Turkey
- Asia: Japan, UAE, Thailand, Israel, Kuwait, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Saudi Arabia
- Oceania: Australia
- Africa: South Africa
- Eurasia: Russia
This diverse buyer presence reflects the growing confidence of global brands and retailers in India’s manufacturing capabilities, compliance standards, and design strengths.
Exports Outlook and Industry Resilience
India’s Ready-Made Garment (RMG) exports for FY 2025–26 stood at approximately USD 16 billion, with apparel products reaching nearly 186 countries worldwide. According to Dr Sakthivel, India’s focus remains firmly on deeper integration with global value chains and expanding the production of value-added and design-driven apparel.
Despite global uncertainties and trade disruptions, the sector has demonstrated resilience. Cumulative RMG exports during April–December 2025–26 reached USD 11,584.3 million, registering a 2.4% growth over the corresponding period in the previous year.
India is also making steady progress in sustainable manufacturing, an area that continues to influence sourcing decisions of global brands. With sustainability initiatives gaining traction across the value chain, India is well-positioned to increase its share in global apparel sourcing.
A Legacy Platform for the Garment Industry
Launched in 1988, the India International Garment Fair is a bi-annual exhibition, held twice every year, January/February for Autumn/Winter collections and June/July for Spring/Summer collections. Over the decades, IIGF has played a central role in showcasing India’s garment capabilities to the world.
The fair is jointly organised by the Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) and the International Garment Fair Association (IGFA), with support from industry bodies including the Garment Exporters & Manufacturers Association (GEMA), Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI), and Garment Exporters Association of Rajasthan (GEAR Rajasthan).
As the 74th edition opens its doors, IIGF once again stands as a critical meeting ground for global buyers and Indian manufacturers, reinforcing India’s position as a reliable, competitive, and future-ready apparel sourcing destination.
