Vinod Bhat
New Delhi, 27 January 2026: A distinguished group of envoys and senior officials from 18 foreign missions visited PM Vishwakarma Haat 2026, an artisan-centric exhibition hosted by the Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME) at Dilli Haat, INA, New Delhi. The visiting dignitaries, including Ambassadors and High Commissioners from countries such as Algeria, Belarus, Cameroon, Cuba, Ecuador, Ethiopia, Guyana, Indonesia, Iraq, Kenya, Malaysia, Nigeria, Peru, Somalia, South Africa, Timor-Leste, Uzbekistan and Venezuela, explored India’s traditional craftsmanship and engaged with artisans participating in the event.
Organised under the PM Vishwakarma Scheme, the Haat has been open to the public since 18 January and will run through 31 January 2026, welcoming visitors daily from 10:30 AM to 10 PM. The exhibition aims to create a vibrant marketplace where skilled craftspeople from across India can present their handmade products, interact with buyers, and access broader market opportunities.
At the event, Danish Ashraf, Joint Development Commissioner of the Office of the Development Commissioner (MSME), greeted the international guests and outlined the goals of the PM Vishwakarma initiative. He emphasised the programme’s focus on uplifting artisans by enhancing visibility and income through structured support and market exposure.
Dr. Rajneesh, Additional Secretary & Development Commissioner, Ministry of MSME, provided the visiting delegations with an overview of key MSME programmes, highlighting how these schemes contribute to job creation, entrepreneurial growth and inclusive economic development. He expressed appreciation for the global representatives’ interest in India’s craft sector.
The Haat also featured dynamic cultural presentations from Assam, Rajasthan, Punjab and Ladakh, infusing the exhibition with rich artistic performances that reflect the diversity of India’s cultural heritage.
The event’s closing remarks were delivered by Anuja Bapat, Deputy Director General, Office of the Development Commissioner (MSME). She reiterated the importance of platforms like PM Vishwakarma Haat in connecting traditional artisans with national and international stakeholders and fostering sustainable livelihoods.
Over 117 artisans representing all States and Union Territories are participating in the Haat, offering a broad spectrum of traditional handicrafts and skills. By presenting Indian craftsmanship on both national and international stages, PM Vishwakarma Haat 2026 underscores the Government of India’s commitment to preserving cultural legacy while promoting economic empowerment for grassroots artisanal communities.
