New Delhi, Apr 07: The 12th edition of India Rubber Expo (IRE 2026), Asia’s largest rubber industry exhibition, commenced today with a grand inaugural ceremony at Bharat Mandapam, ITPO, New Delhi. Organized by the All India Rubber Industries Association (AIRIA), the four-day mega event (April 7–10) brings together global industry leaders, innovators, and stakeholders on a single platform.
The inaugural ceremony was graced by Hon’ble Chief Minister of Delhi, Ms. Rekha Gupta, marking a prestigious opening to the highly anticipated global event.
With the theme “Innovate, Connect, Transform”, IRE 2026 reinforces its position as a premier platform for driving innovation, collaboration, and growth in the rubber and allied industries.
The expo features over 400 exhibitors and is expected to attract 45,000+ visitors, spread across an expansive 26,000 sq. mtr. exhibition area, making it one of the largest editions to date. This year’s edition showcases a comprehensive range of products and solutions across the entire rubber value chain, including raw materials, machinery, elastomers, chemicals, finished products, and advanced processing technologies.
This year’s edition has witnessed strong global participation with 60+ international exhibitors from 14 countries, including China, Japan, Russia, Korea, Thailand, the UK, Germany, Switzerland, and Taiwan. A significant presence of exhibitors from China highlights the growing focus on advanced manufacturing technologies and global trade partnerships.
India Rubber Expo, since its inception in 2001, has evolved into a key global platform for the rubber industry, consistently expanding in scale, international participation, and technological depth. Over the years, it has played a pivotal role in connecting Indian businesses with global markets and facilitating industry-wide innovation and collaboration.
Recognized as a powerful platform for industry advancement, the expo aligns with the vision of Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi to promote “Make in India” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat”, strengthening India’s global manufacturing footprint. The event provides exhibitors with opportunities to enhance visibility, build global partnerships, and accelerate business growth through direct engagement with industry stakeholders.
Speaking on the occasion, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Delhi, Rekha Gupta, highlighted the importance of innovation, skill development, and stronger industry linkages in driving the sector forward.
“India Rubber Expo stands as a powerful platform bringing together industry leaders, MSMEs, and innovators to showcase the strength of India’s manufacturing ecosystem. The scale of participation and technology-driven displays reflects the sector’s commitment to growth and modernization.
As we move forward, continued focus on skill development, innovation, and stronger market linkages will be key to empowering businesses and building a globally competitive industry.”
Speaking on the occasion, Vipan Mehta, Chairman, IRE 2026, said: “India Rubber Expo 2026 reflects the industry’s growing global relevance. With strong international participation and cutting-edge innovations on display, the expo is creating meaningful connections and unlocking new avenues of growth while supporting the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.”
Sanjeev Sikka, Chief Convenor, IRE 2026, added: “We have integrated technology-driven features such as face recognition entry systems and a dedicated mobile app for seamless networking, enabling exhibitors and visitors to connect and exchange insights efficiently.”
Anay Gupta, President, AIRIA, said: “IRE 2026 is a catalyst for business growth and innovation. It provides an unparalleled platform for Indian and global players to collaborate, exchange knowledge, and explore new business opportunities.”
Adding to the overall experience, IRE 2026 will host three Gala Theme Dinners, including the Exhibitors Nite on 7th April 2026 dedicated exclusively to exhibitor networking, followed by Sufiyaana Shaam on 8th April 2026, and Colors of India on 9th April 2026, celebrating culture, connection, and industry camaraderie.
With its strong global participation, comprehensive showcase across the rubber ecosystem, and focus on innovation-led growth, India Rubber Expo 2026 is set to further strengthen India’s position as a key player in the global rubber industry.
