India International Trade Fair 2025: A Case Study in Inclusive Growth, MSME Strengthening & Cultural Economy

For UPSC Prelims & Mains (GS-1, GS-2, GS-3)

The 44th India International Trade Fair (IITF), held at Bharat Mandapam, continues India’s long tradition of using trade fairs as engines of economic and cultural exchange. With the theme “Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat”, the event became a living showcase of India’s unity, diversity, and economic dynamism.

More than 3,500 participants, 31 States/UTs, and exhibitors from 11 countries turned the venue into a vibrant ecosystem of markets, ideas, crafts and innovation.

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Why IITF Matters for UPSC

IITF is not just an event—it is a live example of:

• MSME empowerment

• Promotion of traditional crafts & GI products

• Export diversification and domestic market integration

• Strengthening India’s cultural economy

• Implementation of schemes for artisans & start-ups

• Boost to cooperative federalism (States as economic units)

It is directly relevant to:

• GS-1: Indian culture, society, diversity

• GS-2: Co-operative federalism, government initiatives

• GS-3: MSMEs, inclusive growth, trade, employment, entrepreneurship

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Key Highlights from IITF 2025

1. States as Economic Powerhouses

Partner States—Bihar, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, with Jharkhand as the Focus State—used the platform to showcase:

• Traditional crafts

• Local industries

• Start-ups

• GI-tagged products

• MSME clusters

This aligns with India’s push for district-driven growth (One District One Product) and vocal-for-local initiatives.

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2. A Global Marketplace in India

International participation included:

• Egypt

• Turkey

• Thailand, among others.

Their long-term association (20+ years in some cases) highlights India’s emergence as a stable and profitable international market.

Example for Mains Answer:

“India’s trade fairs function not only as export platforms but as recurring sites of global cultural-economic exchange, strengthening soft power and market credibility.”

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3. Platform for MSMEs, Handicrafts & Artisan Livelihoods

The fair serves as a lifeline for artisans, allowing them to earn several months’ income in just 15 days.

Key Observations

• Kolhapuri chappal artisans earned 6 months of income in 15 days.

• Pickle and ghee sellers from Maharashtra sold out days before the fair ended.

• National Awardee artisans reported earning 3 months’ income in 15 days.

This directly links to:

• Doubling MSME revenues

• Boosting informal sector incomes

• Preserving traditional crafts

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4. Exporters Turning to Domestic Markets

Exhibitors like Mohammed Fazil from Moradabad—who usually export metal handicrafts—used IITF to:

• Test domestic demand

• Build brand recognition

• Explore new customer segments

This shows diversification in:

• Market base

• Product strategy

• Post-COVID domestic demand resurgence

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5. Consumer Relationships Beyond the Fair

Long-term exhibitors from Thailand and Turkey shared that:

• Customers return every year

• Wholesale orders continue even after the fair

• The fair builds customer loyalty & trust

This highlights the fair’s role in:

• Creating social capital

• Strengthening supply chains

• Enabling repeat business

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UPSC Angle: Key Themes to Use in Answers

1. Inclusive Growth

Trade fairs promote:

• Market access for marginalized artisans

• Better income opportunities

• Reduced dependence on middlemen

2. MSME Development (High-relevance for GS-3)

IITF acts as:

• A branding platform

• A market aggregator

• A networking hub for MSMEs

Supports schemes like:

• PMEGP

• MSME Cluster Development Programme

• ODOP

• Skill India

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3. Cultural Economy & Soft Power (GS-1 + GS-2)

Indian handicrafts, textiles, leatherwork, and traditional goods become instruments of:

• Cultural diplomacy

• Preserving heritage

• Promoting GI products

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4. Co-operative Federalism (GS-2)

State pavilions strengthen:

• Inter-state learning

• Competitive federalism

• Showcasing local strengths

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5. International Trade (GS-3)

The fair broadens:

• Export opportunities

• International partnerships

• India’s role as a global marketplace

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Prelims-Focused Quick Facts

Topic	Fact
IITF Organiser	ITPO (India Trade Promotion Organisation)
Venue	Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan
2025 Theme	Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat
Focus State	Jharkhand
Key Sectors	MSME, Start-ups, Handicrafts, PSUs, International Exhibitors
Benefits	Market access, branding, income boost, export promotion

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Value Addition for UPSC Mains Answers (Enrichment Lines)

Use these in essay/GS answers:

• “Trade fairs like IITF serve as engines of micro-level economic empowerment.”

• “They act as bridges between rural artisans and urban/global markets.”

• “Such platforms democratize growth by turning cultural heritage into viable livelihoods.”

• “IITF reinforces India’s commitment to ‘Vocal for Local’ and ‘Local to Global’.”

• “It embodies the spirit of cooperative federalism through state-led economic showcases.”

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Conclusion

The India International Trade Fair demonstrates how a single platform can:

• Integrate culture + commerce

• Empower MSMEs + artisans

• Strengthen India’s internal and global markets

For UPSC aspirants, IITF 2025 is an excellent case study for GS answers on inclusive growth, MSMEs, culture, federalism, and trade—themes that repeatedly appear in UPSC Mains.