The GI & Beyond 2.0 Summit, organised by the Office of the Development Commissioner (Handlooms), Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, in association with the Handloom Export Promotion Council (HEPC), concluded successfully today at Dr. Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi. The Summit showcased India's rich GI-tagged handloom and handicraft products and brought together policymakers, overseas buyers, exporters, industry leaders, GI stakeholders, academia and weaver representatives to strengthen collaboration across the GI ecosystem and promote wider market opportunities for India's traditional products.

The Summit was inaugurated by Shri Pabitra Margherita, Minister of State for External Affairs & Textiles, in the presence of Smt. Neelam Shami Rao, Secretary (Textiles), Dr. M. Beena, Development Commissioner (Handlooms), Smt. Amrit Raj, Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Shri. Akhilesh Kumar, DDG (Textiles), Prof. (Dr.) Unnat P. Pandit, Controller General of Patents, Designs & Trade Marks (CGPDTM), RoC, GI & SICLDR and Shri. Kartikay Dhanda, Secretary Textiles Committee. Senior Government officials, representatives of industry, exporters, overseas buyers, GI stakeholders, academia and weaver organisations also participated in the Summit.

In his inaugural address, Shri Pabitra Margherita emphasised that Geographical Indications are not merely legal protections but symbols of India's rich cultural heritage, craftsmanship and identity. He highlighted the importance of leveraging technology and innovation to expand market opportunities for GI-tagged handloom products while preserving the authenticity and traditions that make them unique. He also underlined the growing role of GI products in strengthening India's soft power and supporting sustainable livelihoods for artisan and weaver communities.

During the Summit, New GI Certificates for Ladakh Nambu Textile, Ladakh Pashmina Textile, Himachal Gudma, Himachal Lingchay, Jharkhand Bamboo Craft, Jharkhand Tussar Silk Saree & Fabrics, Munda Jewellery of Jharkhand, and Bareilly Terracotta were presented by Shri Pabitra Margherita, Hon'ble Minister of State for External Affairs & Textiles, to the respective GI proprietors, recognising their efforts in preserving and promoting India's unique traditional

Addressing the gathering, Smt. Neelam Shami Rao, Secretary (Textiles) highlighted the Government's continued efforts to strengthen the handloom ecosystem through policy support, digital initiatives, market development and institutional collaboration. She observed that the Digital Handloom Atlas would provide greater visibility to India's GI-tagged handloom products and facilitate stronger linkages between weavers and domestic and international markets.

Welcoming the participants, Dr. M. Beena, Development Commissioner (Handlooms) highlighted the contribution of India's traditional weaving communities and the Ministry's continued efforts to strengthen the sector through cluster development, design support, raw material availability and market access. She emphasised that GI recognition provides enduring value to India's unique weaving traditions while creating new opportunities for weavers.

A major highlight of the Summit was the launch of the Digital Handloom Atlas – "One Platform. Endless Markets", a comprehensive digital platform designed to showcase India's handloom products, including GI-tagged products, and connect artisans with wider markets. During the inaugural session, GI Certificates were presented to Registered Proprietors and newly Authorised Users. The Diamond Jubilee Logo of the Handloom Export Promotion Council (HEPC) was also unveiled, marking sixty years of the Council's contribution towards promoting India's handloom exports.

The Summit featured a display of more than 100 GI-registered handloom and handicraft products from across the country, along with thematic displays showcasing India's diverse weaving traditions and live demonstrations by artisans and weavers. The exhibition provided participants with an opportunity to experience the craftsmanship, diversity and cultural richness of India's GI products.

A special presentation by experts from IIT Madras highlighted the potential application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in strengthening the GI ecosystem. Three technical sessions held during the Summit deliberated on GI Registration & Intellectual Property Rights, promotion of GI products in the domestic market, and leveraging GI handloom products in international markets, with participation from experts representing Government, industry, academia, intellectual property institutions, retail brands and international organisations.

The GI & Beyond 2.0 Summit reaffirmed the Ministry of Textiles' commitment to promoting and protecting India's GI-tagged handloom and handicraft products through stronger institutional collaboration, innovation and market development. By bringing together policymakers, industry, exporters, GI stakeholders, academia and overseas buyers on a common platform, the Summit is expected to further strengthen the visibility, market access and global recognition of India's unique handloom and handicraft heritage.

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