CLE INDIA

An honour and a pleasure to meet the Hon’ble External Affairs Minister of India, Dr. S. Jaishankar ji and briefly apprise him of developments in the leather and footwear industry and investments in athletic footwear and its trade prospects, and the opportunities emerging through India’s Free Trade Agreements. I also conveyed my deepest appreciation for his diplomatic leadership and tireless efforts to strengthen India’s global partnerships and advance the nation’s strategic and economic interests. 📍 Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi 📅 Tuesday, 27 October 2026

It was a great honour and privilege to attend the banquet hosted by the Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, in honour of His Serene Highness Hereditary Prince Alois of Liechtenstein and Her Royal Highness Hereditary Princess Sophie. The gracious presence of the Hon’ble Vice President of India, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, further distinguished the occasion. I also had the special honour of being introduced to His Serene Highness Hereditary Prince Alois—a moment I shall cherish. Deeply grateful for the invitation and the warm hospitality extended at Rashtrapati Bhavan. As a representative of India’s trade and industry, attending this distinguished gathering was a matter of immense pride. 📍 Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi 📅 Tuesday, 27 October 2026

It was a privilege to participate in today’s interactive meeting with Shri Amardeep Singh Bhatia, IAS, Secretary, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, organised by the South India Tanners & Dealers Association (SITDA) in Walajapet. The meeting was graced by Thiru S. A. Raman, IAS, Managing Director, SIPCOT; Dr. P. Thanikaivelan, Director, CSIR–Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI), along with senior scientists; Ms. Sabiha Rizvi, Director, DPIIT; and Smt. Priya Ravichandran, IAS, District Collector, Ranipet In my address, I reflected on the proud legacy of the Ranipet, Ambur and Vaniyambadi leather cluster and our industry’s journey towards cleaner production, greater value addition and global competitiveness. DPIIT’s support has played a significant role in strengthening common effluent treatment facilities, Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) systems, testing infrastructure and industry modernisation. I also highlighted the opportunities that Free Trade Agreements can create for Indian leather and footwear manufacturers by expanding market access, enhancing competitiveness and translating these advantages into higher exports and increased employment. My sincere appreciation to our Hon’ble Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal ji, for his continued support and tireless efforts to expand opportunities for Indian manufacturing and exports. Our ambition must be to build on our heritage and establish India as a global centre for high-quality, sustainable leather manufacturing. 📅 10 October 2026 📍 SITDA, Walajapet, Tamil Nadu

A major milestone is taking shape at Grand Atlantia, Panapakkam, as we advance our vision for a world-class, sustainable athletic footwear manufacturing campus. We were honoured to welcome a distinguished delegation comprising: • Shri Amardeep Singh Bhatia ji, IAS, Secretary, DPIIT, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India • Ms. Sabiha Rizvi, Director, DPIIT • Smt. Priya Ravichandran, IAS, District Collector, Ranipet • Thiru S. A. Raman, IAS, Managing Director, SIPCOT • Mr. Veer Pratap Singh, IAS, Executive Director, SIPCOT • Senior officers from SIPCOT • Thiru Pradeep R, Deputy Vice President – Investment Strategist, Guidance Tamil Nadu • Dr. P. Thanikaivelan, Director, CSIR–Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI) the project’s progress. With an estimated investment of nearly USD 200 million upon full completion of both the Domestic Tariff Area (DTA) and Special Economic Zone (SEZ) phases. Designed and engineered by Artelia Consulting India, part of Artelia Group, France, the campus integrates green landscapes and water bodies into its master plan. Plans include over 3,500 trees in the DTA and over 5,500 trees in the SEZ, alongside the conservation of existing trees. Together with 5.5 acres of lakes and pedestrian-friendly pathways, these features are designed to support biodiversity, climate resilience and a healthy working environment. Renewable energy, smart water management and robust utility networks will support the campus. Planned amenities include a canteen, crèche, medical centre, clubhouse and accommodation, complemented by dedicated truck and container yards and electric vehicle charging stations for both two-wheelers and four-wheelers. My sincere thanks to the Government of India, DPIIT, the Government of Tamil Nadu, the Department of Industries, SIPCOT and Guidance Tamil Nadu for their continued support and facilitation. We look forward to the grand opening and to creating a model industrial campus where manufacturing excellence, people and nature thrive together. 📅 10 October 2026 📍 Grand Atlantia, Panapakkam, Ranipet, Tamil Nadu