New Delhi [India], December 2 : To bring together India's domestic trade, start-up ecosystem, small industries, artisans, MSMEs and Made in India products on a unified national platform, the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), in collaboration with Swadeshi Jagran Manch and several other major national organisations, has taken the historic decision to organise India's largest-ever and grandest trade event - "Swadeshi Mela-2026" - at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, in May 2026
During the National Governing Council meeting of CAIT held in New Delhi on 25th November, Union Minister for Commerce & Industry, Piyush Goyal, suggested that CAIT should organise a grand Swadeshi Mela.
CAIT National Secretary General and Member of Parliament from Chandni Chowk, Praveen Khandelwal, stated that this Mela will not only showcase the strength of India's trade, industry and craftsmanship, but also serve as the biggest platform to provide global visibility to Made in India products and elevate Indian entrepreneurship to newer heights. For industries, start-ups, women entrepreneurs, artisans, and small manufacturers across the country, this will be a golden opportunity to showcase their products and innovations to national and international markets.
Khandelwal informed that for this historic event, a National Steering Board has been constituted under the chairmanship of eminent industrialist Dr Ram Gopal Goyal. The Board includes 65 distinguished and influential members from the trade and industry sectors of all States, with significant representation of women and young entrepreneurs.
The first crucial meeting of the Steering Board will be held on December 4 in New Delhi, where the overall framework of the Mela, including its theme, exhibition structure, nationwide promotional strategy, and plans to maximise exposure to Indian products, will be finalised.
Khandelwal said that besides national trade organisations, leaders from farmer bodies, transport and logistics, travel and tourism, MSMEs and start-up communities have been specially invited. National leaders from Laghu Udyog Bharati, MSME Development Forum, Federation of Small Industries Association, and professional bodies will also participate.
In addition, several leading expo and exhibition experts from across the country will be invited to ensure that Swadeshi Mela-2026 truly becomes a "Mirror of India's Swadeshi Trade and Industry".
The Mela will be organised at an unprecedented mega scale at Pragati Maidan. During the December 4 meeting, the complete layout and design of the Mela will be finalised. Different committees will be formed for various sectors, including industry, trade, start-ups, women entrepreneurs, artisans, food processing, Ayurveda, handloom, handicraft, technology, e-commerce, etc.

A nationwide campaign will be launched to invite stalls for Swadeshi products from across the country. Steering Committees will be established in every State to take this mega event's message to every corner of India.
Khandelwal added that "Swadeshi Mela-2026" is not only an opportunity for Indian entrepreneurs to expand their business, but also an unprecedented platform to present India's swadeshi strength to the world in a new and powerful way. Any trader, start-up, manufacturer or industrialist who becomes part of this event will unlock new possibilities to take their business to global markets.