GI & Beyond 2.0 Summit Concludes with Digital Initiative Launch
The Office of the Development Commissioner (Handlooms), Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, in association with the Handloom Export Promotion Council (HEPC), successfully concluded the GI & Beyond 2.0 Summit on August 5, 2026, at Dr. Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi. The summit brought together policymakers, overseas buyers, exporters, industry leaders, GI stakeholders, academia, and weaver representatives to strengthen collaboration across the Geographical Indication ecosystem and promote wider market opportunities for India's traditional handloom and handicraft products.
New GI Certificates Awarded and Digital Platform Launched
During the summit, new GI certificates were presented for eight traditional products: 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. These were awarded by Shri Pabitra Margherita, Minister of State for External Affairs & Textiles, to the respective GI proprietors.
A major highlight was the launch of the Digital Handloom Atlas under the tagline "One Platform. Endless Markets." This comprehensive digital platform is designed to showcase India's handloom products, including GI-tagged items, and connect artisans with wider domestic and international markets. The Diamond Jubilee Logo of HEPC was also unveiled, marking sixty years of the Council's contribution to promoting India's handloom exports.
Exhibition and Technical Sessions
The summit featured a display of more than 100 GI-registered handloom and handicraft products from across India, along with thematic displays showcasing diverse weaving traditions and live demonstrations by artisans and weavers. Experts from IIT Madras presented on the potential application of Artificial Intelligence in strengthening the GI ecosystem. Three technical sessions covered GI Registration & Intellectual Property Rights, domestic market promotion of GI products, and leveraging GI handloom products in international markets, with participation from government, industry, academia, intellectual property institutions, retail brands, and international organizations.
Government Commitment and Future Outlook
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. Dr. M. Beena, Development Commissioner (Handlooms), emphasized the ministry's efforts through cluster development, design support, raw material availability, and market access. The summit reaffirmed the Ministry of Textiles' commitment to promoting and protecting India's GI-tagged products through stronger institutional collaboration, innovation, and market development.