The Indian furniture and interiors industry marked a new milestone with the opening of imm India 2026 at Yashobhoomi, Dwarka, New Delhi. Organised by Koelnmesse Pvt Ltd, the three-day international B2B exhibition is being held from September 1 to 3 and brings together furniture manufacturers, designers, brands, buyers and industry representatives from India and overseas.
The exhibition is being held as India’s furniture market continues to expand. The India Home Furniture Market is projected to reach nearly US$40 billion by 2031, supported by urbanisation, rising incomes, changing lifestyles and growing demand for modern and modular interiors.
The inaugural ceremony was attended by Dr Bharat Dinesh, President, Jodhpur Handicrafts Exporters Association; Naved Ur Rehman, President, Moradabad Handicrafts Exporters Association; C P Sharma, President, Handloom Handicraft Export Welfare Association; Dr. Sumit Chhabra, Vice Chairman, Buying Agents Association; S C Ralhan, President, Federation of Indian Export Organisation; Rajesh Gupta, President, Kirti Nagar Timber & Furniture Dealers Association; and Milind Dixit, Managing Director, Koelnmesse Pvt Ltd, along with industry leaders and international delegates.
The debut edition is expected to feature more than 100 exhibitors and attract over 8,000 trade buyers. The exhibition covers home and outdoor furniture, lighting and fixtures, wall and floor coverings, décor, kitchen and bathroom solutions, handcrafted products and contemporary furniture.
C P Sharma said platforms such as imm India can help give Indian furniture and handicrafts greater visibility in international markets. He highlighted the need for supportive policies, improved logistics and stronger access to overseas markets to increase exports.
Dr Sumit Chhabra said global buyers are increasingly looking for supply-chain diversification and reliable long-term manufacturing partners. He said Indian exporters will need to focus on quality, compliance, traceability and responsible production to strengthen their position in global markets.
Dr Bharat Dinesh highlighted the importance of artisan skill development and said exhibitions such as imm India provide an opportunity to showcase Indian craftsmanship and design to international buyers. Gerald Böse, President and CEO, Koelnmesse GmbH, said the launch represents an important milestone for India’s furniture industry and will connect Indian manufacturing capabilities with global markets. Milind Dixit, Managing Director, Koelnmesse Pvt Ltd, said the exhibition is intended to become a long-term platform for the Indian furniture and interiors industry and strengthen the country’s position as a design-led manufacturing hub.
The exhibition also features an International Hosted Buyer Program for structured meetings between exhibitors and domestic and international buyers. Conference sessions will cover sustainable materials, retail trends, modular living and the future of furniture manufacturing. With participation from leading furniture, handicraft and interiors companies, imm India 2026 aims to strengthen business connections and create new sourcing and export opportunities for the Indian industry.
