ISF at CROSSLINX | CSIR-CLRI | 30th March 2026
“The future belongs to connected excellence, not isolated success.” At CROSSLINX’26, held on 30th March 2026 at the Triple Helix Auditorium, CSIR–Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI), Chennai, Mr. P. S. Suresh, President of the Indian Shoe Federation, delivered the Chief Guest address, setting a forward-looking tone for the industry
Key takeaways from the address…👇🏽
- India has emerged as a trusted, value-added global exporter (>USD 5 billion), powered by knowledge, research, and adaptability
- The next decade will be shaped by four structural shifts
- Sustainability as a strategic differentiator
- Material innovation expanding product frontiers
- Digital & smart manufacturing enabling data-driven operations<
- Changing consumer behaviour (casualisation & athleisure)
- The real opportunity lies in integrating these forces—balancing sustainability, innovation, efficiency, and responsibility.
- Efficiency and yield remain critical, often under-recognised drivers of competitiveness
- Talent is both India’s biggest constraint—and its greatest opportunity.
- Global expectations have moved beyond cost & capacity → towards sustainability, agility, innovation, and talent.
- A message to young professionals: Stay curious. Build both breadth and depth. Own your impact.
- True synergy will enable India not just to grow—but to define the future of the global leather & footwear industry.
- Distinguished industry members present included Mr. Ateequr Rahman (Chairman, IFLMEA), Mr. Yavar Dhala (Vice President, ISF), Mr. C. Anbumalar (Vice Chairman, PA Footwear), Mr Raja Babu (President, ALFA), Mr Manoj Bhaiya (Chairman, C & E Ltd) along with Dr. P. Thanikaivelan (Director, CLRI) and Dr. K. J. Sreeram (Scientist H & Head, Department of Leather Technology).
- #IndianShoeFederation #CROSSLINX2026 #CLRI #LeatherIndustry #FootwearIndustry #Sustainability #Innovation #DigitalManufacturing #MaterialInnovation #SkillDevelopment #MakeInIndia #GlobalTrade #Leadership #FutureOfWork
Please click on the image for more photos
ISF felicitates Mr R Selvam, IAS
The Indian Shoe Federation had the privilege of hosting Mr R Selvam, IAS, Executive Director, Council for Leather Exports, for a Special Talk during its EC Meeting in Chennai held on March 27th, 2026.
Mr Selvam shared valuable insights from his 8-year tenure at CLE, highlighting the growth potential of the Indian Leather & Footwear sector, the importance of industry–government collaboration, and opportunities in both global and domestic markets
He expressed confidence that Tamil Nadu will emerge as the Footwear Capital of India.
ISF members warmly felicitated Mr Selvam and expressed their deep appreciation for his outstanding contribution to the industry.
Please click on the image for more photos
ISF – EC Meeting - Industry Talk Highlights (27th March 2026)
At its EC Meeting in Chennai, ISF held an engaging Industry Talk on key challenges and opportunities in the footwear & leather sector.
Discussions covered rising input costs of petroleum-based materials, pricing pressures, and the need for industry-wide alignment.
The concept of AI-driven “Dark Room Factory” manufacturing and the growing importance of the Indian domestic market were also highlighted.
ISF will explore a meeting with suppliers to better understand cost trends.
Key updates included participation in the Indonesia Footwear Summit, support to the TANSAM Elite Lab, focus on activities of the Innovation Hub, the other 3 pillars - Competitiveness, Sustainability Training and the launch of “Voice of ISF” for member insights
ISF related administrative matters were discussed and a half yearly report of ISF activities was released.
Please click on the image for more photos
Please click View ISF Half Year Report (Sep 2025 - Mar 2026)
ISF STRIDE - March 2026 | Summary
The March 2026 edition of ISF STRIDE,, the monthly newsletter of the Indian Shoe Federation, highlights important global and national developments shaping the future of the Indian footwear industry.
STRIDE – Perspectives Shaping the Future of Indian Footwear.
Please click on the image below to know more.
