On April 14, 2025, the four-day Carpet Expo organized by the Carpet Export Promotion Council (CEPC) commenced at Hall No. 1 of Bharat Mandapam. The event is scheduled from April 14 to 17, 2025. It was inaugurated by the Honourable Union Minister of Textiles, Mr. Giriraj Singh, in the presence of Mrs. Amrit Raj, IAS, Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), by lighting the ceremonial lamp.
Other dignitaries present at the inaugural ceremony included Mr. Kuldeep Raj Wattal, Chairman, CEPC, and members of the Executive Committee - Mr. Anil Kumar Singh, Mr. Aslam Mehbub, Mr. Mahabir Pratap, Mr. Bodhraj Malhotra, Mr. Wasif Ansari, Mr. Deepak Khanna, Mr. Hussain Jafar Husaini, Mr. Imtiaz Ahmad, Mr. Mehraj Yaseen Jain, Mr. Piyush Kumar Barnwal, Mr. Rohit Gupta, Mr. Sanjay Gupta, Mr. Shaukat Khan, and Mr. Sheikh Ashiq Ahmad, along with other members and exporters. Dr. Smita Nagarkoti. Officiating Executive Director-cum-Secretary, was also present during the auspicious event.
The Honourable Minister of Textiles, Mr. Giriraj Singh, visited various carpet stalls at the expo and was impressed by the wide range of colorful carpets. He expressed his admiration and reiterated his full support for the development of the industry, assuring complete cooperation from the government to promote its growth. He affirmed that the government stands firmly with the exporters.
India Carpet Expo is one of Asia's largest exhibitions of handmade carpets, providing an exceptional platform for buyers to purchase premium handmade carpets, rugs, and other floor coverings under one roof. With participation from 160 exhibitors, it has become a globally recognized destination for handmade carpets.
On the first day, the expo witnessed a record attendance of 125 overseas carpet buyers from around 34 countries including Argentina, Australia, Brazil, France, Canada, Israel, Turkey, Japan, Russia, the USA, the UK, Italy, Sweden, Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, and 75 buying representatives. These buyers visited the expo to explore business opportunities with this rural-based cottage sector.
CEPC Chairman Mr. Kuldeep Raj Wattal stated, "India Carpet Expo is an ideal platform for international carpet buyers, buying agents, architects, and Indian carpet manufacturers and exporters to interact and build long-term business relationships. This exhibition is a significant step toward taking Indian handmade carpet exports to greater heights." He further mentioned that there are tremendous business opportunities for participating manufacturers and exporters as many prominent global buyers of handmade carpets will be attending the show, and orders worth thousands of crores are expected to be executed in the near future.
