India’s Ministry of Textiles is set to introduce the Digital Handloom Atlas during the upcoming GI & Beyond 2.0 Summit in New Delhi, aiming to increase the global visibility of India’s Geographical Indication (GI)-registered handloom and handicraft products. The summit, scheduled for August 5, 2026, will focus on promoting traditional Indian crafts and creating stronger connections between artisans, businesses, and international markets.
Organized by the Office of the Development Commissioner (Handlooms) in partnership with the Handloom Export Promotion Council (HEPC), the event will bring together a diverse group of participants, including overseas buyers from nearly 10 countries, exporters, multinational companies, GI product owners, government representatives, textile brands, retail organizations, e-commerce platforms, academic institutions, and industry experts.
The summit will showcase more than 100 GI-certified handloom and handicraft products representing different regions of India. Visitors will experience exhibitions highlighting the country’s rich weaving heritage, along with live demonstrations showcasing traditional handloom weaving methods and skilled handicraft techniques passed down through generations.
A major highlight of the event will be the launch of the Digital Handloom Atlas, an online platform created to provide a comprehensive showcase of India’s handloom sector. The platform will feature GI-tagged products and help artisans gain improved access to international buyers, creating new opportunities for market expansion and business growth.
During the inaugural session, GI certificates will also be awarded to registered proprietors and newly approved users. In addition, the Handloom Export Promotion Council will unveil its Diamond Jubilee logo, marking an important milestone for the organization.
The summit will also include discussions on technology, intellectual property rights, and strategies to expand the global reach of Indian handloom products. Experts from IIT Madras will present insights into the use of artificial intelligence to strengthen the GI ecosystem and improve opportunities for traditional products.
Through initiatives such as the Digital Handloom Atlas, the government aims to modernize the handloom sector while preserving India’s cultural heritage. The platform is expected to support artisans, improve international market access, and contribute to the continued growth of India’s textile and handicraft industries.
