India’s GI-tagged handloom and handicraft products took centre stage at the GI & Beyond 2.0 Summit, where policymakers, exporters, overseas buyers, industry leaders, and artisans came together to explore new opportunities for promoting traditional products in domestic and international markets.
Organised by the Office of the Development Commissioner (Handlooms) under the Ministry of Textiles in collaboration with the Handloom Export Promotion Council (HEPC), the summit focused on strengthening the GI ecosystem through innovation, collaboration and improved market access.
A major highlight of the event was the launch of the Digital Handloom Atlas, a digital platform aimed at increasing the visibility of India’s handloom products and connecting weavers and artisans with buyers across the country and overseas. The initiative is expected to simplify market access while helping preserve India’s rich textile heritage.
Speaking at the summit, Minister of State for External Affairs and Textiles Pabitra Margherita said Geographical Indications are more than legal certifications—they represent India’s cultural identity, craftsmanship and traditional knowledge. He also stressed the importance of using technology to expand the reach of GI products without compromising their authenticity.
During the event, new GI certificates were presented for products including Ladakh Nambu Textile, Ladakh Pashmina Textile, Jharkhand Tussar Silk Saree & Fabrics, Jharkhand Bamboo Craft, Bareilly Terracotta, and several other traditional products, recognising efforts to preserve India’s regional craftsmanship.
The summit also featured an exhibition of more than 100 GI-registered handloom and handicraft products, along with live demonstrations by artisans from across the country. Experts from IIT Madras showcased how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can strengthen the GI ecosystem by improving product visibility, traceability and market outreach.
Technical sessions focused on intellectual property rights, domestic and international marketing strategies, and expanding the global presence of GI-tagged products. Industry leaders, government officials, exporters and academic experts discussed ways to improve competitiveness and create sustainable livelihood opportunities for artisan and weaving communities.
The Ministry of Textiles said initiatives such as the Digital Handloom Atlas and stronger collaboration across the GI ecosystem will help increase exports, improve market access and position India’s traditional handloom and handicraft products more strongly in global markets.
