The four-day India Industrial Fair brings more than 500 exhibitors together, with an influencer meet on October 24 and a job fair planned for October 26.

GANDHINAGAR, October 24, 2026: Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendrabhai Patel inaugurated the 15th India Industrial Fair, UDYAM 2026, at the Helipad Exhibition Centre in Gandhinagar on October 23. Organised by Laghu Udyog Bharati’s Gujarat Region, the four-day exhibition runs until October 26, bringing businesses from manufacturing, engineering, machinery, automation and other industrial sectors together.

The fair aims to help micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) find buyers, meet suppliers and explore business opportunities. More than 500 exhibitors are taking part, according to the organisers. The programme also includes a special influencer meet on October 24 and a job fair on the final day.

The opening ceremony was attended by Laghu Udyog Bharati National Organising General Secretary Shri Prakashchandji, Dr Shri Bharatbhai Patel, Provincial Co-Director of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in Gujarat, Shri Mukeshbhai Malkan of Saurashtra Province, Gujarat in-charge Shri Ghanshyambhai Ojha and other guests.

Senior representatives of Laghu Udyog Bharati’s Gujarat Region were also present. They included president Shri Ishwarbhai Patel, secretary Shri Hansrajbhai Gajera, regional in-charge Shri Vajubhai Vaghasia, Saurashtra Division president Shri Dineshbhai Dangariya, division secretary Shri Jaykumar Mavani, Karnavati Division president Shri Arvindbhai Patel and division secretary Shri Ashokbhai Patel. Karnavati president Shri Jaykalp Patel and secretary Shri Mehulbhai Yadav also attended, along with office-bearers and members of the exhibition committee.

The fair comes at a time when smaller businesses continue to play a major part in India’s economy. They supply components to large manufacturers, produce goods for domestic buyers and overseas markets, and provide jobs to millions of people.

According to the Economic Survey 2025-26, MSMEs account for 31.1 per cent of India’s gross domestic product (GDP), 35.4 per cent of manufacturing output and 48.58 per cent of exports. These figures explain why business events that help smaller firms meet buyers and suppliers matter to the industrial sector.

For a small manufacturer, finding a regular customer can support production and help maintain jobs. A business that needs a particular machine or component may also benefit from meeting several suppliers at one venue. Such meetings can help companies compare products, prices and technical services before making purchases.

UDYAM 2026 covers engineering, machinery, manufacturing, automation, tooling, casting and defence. Other categories listed for the exhibition include textiles, chemicals and pharmaceuticals, plastics and packaging, renewable energy, agriculture-related products, ceramics and building materials.

The range of industries allows participating firms to explore links with businesses outside their usual markets. However, the number of contacts made at an exhibition does not automatically translate into confirmed orders. Actual results depend on product quality, pricing, delivery schedules and the ability of companies to meet buyers’ needs.

A special event titled “Gujarat’s Largest Influencer Meet” is scheduled for October 24 at 3 pm at the Convention Hall, Helipad Ground, Gandhinagar.

The programme is intended to bring people together to discuss new ideas, business networking and commercial opportunities. The organisers have not provided a detailed list of speakers or participants in the event announcement.

Business use of digital platforms has grown as companies look for ways to reach customers beyond their immediate markets. Social media personalities and online content creators can help businesses explain products to potential buyers. For industrial firms, however, the value of such promotion depends on whether it reaches relevant customers and produces measurable results.

The meet gives participating businesses an opportunity to discuss how online communication can support their sales and public presence.

Employment will be another focus on the final day of the exhibition. Laghu Udyog Bharati has planned a job fair for October 26, with the stated aim of connecting young jobseekers with industries looking for workers.

Manufacturing businesses need people with different levels of training, from entry-level workers to technicians and specialised staff. Recruitment events can help employers meet candidates directly and allow applicants to learn about available roles.

The organisers have not specified the number of vacancies, participating employers or job categories expected at the fair. Jobseekers should check the event’s official announcements for details about registration, eligibility and the documents required.

The exhibition is supported by the Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), along with the Odhav, Kathwada, Naroda, Santej, Sanand and Vatva Industries Associations. These industrial areas form part of Gujarat’s wider manufacturing network, making participation relevant to businesses operating in and around Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar.

The organisers’ circulated announcement states that more than 1,000,000 visitors are participating in the exhibition. However, the official UDYAM 2026 event website lists an expected attendance of more than 1.5 lakh, or 150,000 people. These figures differ considerably, and the final attendance has not been established.

The exhibition continues through October 26 at the Helipad Ground in Gandhinagar. Its results will depend on the business relationships formed, orders secured, recruitment outcomes and opportunities that continue after the stalls close. For smaller firms seeking customers, suppliers or employees, those results will provide a clearer measure of the fair’s value than attendance figures alone.

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