Frankfurt, Jan 13: The Indian Pavilion was inaugurated at Heimtextil 2026, the world’s largest international trade fair for home and contract textiles, at Messe Frankfurt on Tuesday, marking a significant milestone for India’s textile and handicrafts sector.
The pavilion was inaugurated by Shuchita Kishore, IFS, Consul General of India in Frankfurt, in the presence of senior officials from the Ministry of Textiles, including Akhilesh Kumar, Deputy Director General; Puresh Gurunani, Director, Ministry of Textiles; and Kishan Singh Ghughtyal, Joint Director, National Jute Board.
Heimtextil 2026, being held from January 13 to 16, has brought together over 2,600 exhibitors from more than 60 countries, showcasing products ranging from bed, bath and table linen to upholstery, yarns, and sustainable interior textile solutions. The event is themed “Lead the Change,” with a strong focus on sustainability, textile circularity, and AI-driven design innovations.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Mukesh Kumar Gombar, Chairman, Carpet Export Promotion Council (CEPC), along with Sheikh Ashiq Ahmad, CEPC; Bodh Raj Malhotra, COA, CEPC; and Smita Nagarkoti, Officiating Executive Director-cum-Secretary, CEPC. Their presence underlined India’s expanding footprint in the global textile export market.
Speaking on the occasion, Sheikh Ashiq Ahmad urged the Government of Jammu and Kashmir to extend greater institutional support to Kashmiri handmade carpet exporters. He said international platforms such as Heimtextil were critical for reviving Kashmir’s traditional carpet industry, which once attracted substantial bulk orders from overseas buyers.
“These international expos are vital for reviving our rich cultural heritage and sustaining ancient art forms,” he said, calling upon the Lieutenant Governor and Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir to facilitate the participation of Kashmiri handmade exporters in major global trade fairs. He added that exposure to global markets would help revive bulk exports, preserve traditional craftsmanship, and position Kashmiri carpets competitively in sustainability-driven international markets.
Heimtextil 2026 also features special collaborations, including with renowned designer Patricia Urquiola, further reinforcing its status as a key platform for networking, trend-setting, and large-scale export opportunities.
The Carpet Export Promotion Council continues to promote Indian handmade carpets in international markets, supporting artisans and exporters while preserving India’s cultural legacy.
