SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Vinai Kumar Saxena on Saturday inaugurated the Ladakh Pavilion at the India International Trade Fair (IITF) 2026 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, showcasing the region’s traditional craftsmanship, indigenous products and cultural heritage.
The pavilion features 14 stalls with the participation of 17 entrepreneurs from Ladakh, displaying a range of traditional and Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged products, including Ladakhi Pashmina, handloom and handicrafts, embroidery, sea buckthorn, apricots and other indigenous products.
During the inauguration, Saxena encouraged local entrepreneurs and artisans to take Ladakh’s GI-tagged products to wider national and international markets. He stressed the importance of improving product quality, innovation, branding and market linkages to enhance the visibility and competitiveness of local products.
Describing the exhibition as an opportunity to advance the Prime Minister’s vision of ‘Make in India’ and ‘Local for Global’, the Lieutenant Governor said the trade fair provided artisans and entrepreneurs with a platform to gain wider recognition and access new markets.
He said such initiatives could help strengthen local livelihoods, boost the rural economy and establish Ladakhi craftsmanship in national and international markets.
After inaugurating the pavilion, Saxena visited the stalls and interacted with participating entrepreneurs and artisans, enquiring about their products, craftsmanship, business activities and future aspirations. He appreciated their efforts to preserve traditional skills while expanding the reach of indigenous products.
The Lieutenant Governor also interacted with students and young people from Ladakh pursuing their studies at various educational institutions in Delhi.
Emphasising the importance of preserving the region’s distinct cultural identity, he urged the youth to take pride in their heritage, traditions, language, customs and values while pursuing modern education and opportunities.
He described young people as ambassadors of Ladakh’s culture and encouraged them to promote the region’s identity across the country and abroad.
Saxena also called upon them to use their knowledge, talent and aspirations for the development of their homeland and contribute towards building a progressive Ladakh while remaining connected with their roots.
Ladakh’s participation in the 2026 trade fair is part of the Union Territory Administration’s efforts to promote indigenous products, strengthen traditional industries, support local entrepreneurs and artisans, and connect regional products with wider markets.
