With an eye on ‘Make in India’, India woos global leather brands

Following Narendra Modi’s ‘Make in India’ initiative, the government is trying to initiate talks with international luxury leather brands such as Coach, Tod's and Hermes to set up their manufacturing centres in the country. The steps in the direction are being taken by the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP), which is first focusing on bringing brands active in the highly labour-intensive leather sector. As a part of the plan, DIPP will identify companies across the globe which can make investments in Indian states having leather industry. As per estimates, India has the world's largest stock of cattle, providing it access to abundant raw material for the leather industry to thrive.

Leather exports are projected to grow 25 percent per annum over the next five years while the domestic market is poised to double by 2020. According to a study by the National Skill Development Corporation and growth projections of the Council of Leather Exports, the leather industry is expected to employ about 7.1 million people by 2022. The government is also in talks with the big tanneries of the world from countries such as Brazil and Portugal to start manufacturing in India. DIPP is eyeing partnerships with designers to train and upgrade the skills of Indian leather makers.