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The Council for Leather Exports (CLE) announced the 7th edition of the Bharat Footwear & Leather Expo (BFLEX 2026), set to take place on March 09-10, 2026, at the Yashobhoomi (IICC Dwarka) in New Delhi. Recognized as India's premier international sourcing show, the event is expected to host over 400 exhibitors and more than 2500 domestic and foreign buyers.
As global trade dynamics shift, India is increasingly positioning itself not just as a manufacturing giant, but as a central hub for buying agents and international retail chains. With a projected business generation of US$ 150 million for the upcoming edition, BFLEX serves as a critical platform for the leather garments, footwear, and accessories sectors.
While India remains the world's second-largest footwear producer, the expo has evolved to cater to a diverse range of sourcing needs. The event draws significant attention from overseas buyers, particularly from nations with which India holds Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), such as Australia, the UAE, Japan, and South Korea.
For international exhibitors, particularly from manufacturing hubs like Türkiye, the event offers access to these third-country buyers who utilize New Delhi as a primary trading post. The show profile includes a wide spectrum of products, from leather and non-leather footwear to high-fashion leather garments, goods, and safety defense products.
The participation of international manufacturers in India is often viewed through the lens of competition. However, industry consultants argue that the relationship is increasingly complementary.
Sibel Ege, consulting for the fair from Türkiye, suggests that the presence of major "Buying Houses" in India changes the equation for Turkish exporters:
"The sourcing landscape is evolving. Global buying agents based in New Delhi are aiming to diversify their supply chains. They are looking to build a balanced portfolio where India's robust manufacturing capacity is complemented by the agile, fashion-forward collections that Turkish manufacturers are renowned for. For a Turkish exporter, this fair is about positioning themselves as the strategic partner that completes the buyer's assortment. It is about offering a 'total sourcing solution' to the diverse buyers attending the show."
Echoing this sentiment, Elzbieta Juszczak, a trade expert known for facilitating European entry into emerging markets, highlights the logistical advantage:
"India is a pivotal meeting point. For European and Turkish companies, BFLEX offers a consolidated opportunity to meet buyers from the Asia-Pacific and Middle East regions in one location. The efficiency of the 'One-on-One' meetings with buying offices makes it a highly practical platform for business development, rather than just a showcase."
The expo is supported by the Government of India, which currently allows 100% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the footwear and leather sector through the automatic route. The organizers, CLE, have structured the event to facilitate B2B interactions, with the previous edition recording nearly US$ 131.5 million in generated business.
Registration for the event is currently open, with early bird participation rates applicable for bookings made until December 29, 2025.
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