India’s footwear sector set to hit $47 billion by 2030

The country’s footwear sector is currently valued at $18–24 billion (Rs 1.5–2 lakh crore).

Union Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh has hailed the footwear industry as a vital "backbone" of the Indian economy, citing its massive market scale and its role as a premier engine for job creation. Speaking at a high-level stakeholder interaction in the capital, the Minister underscored the sector's current valuation of nearly Rs. 1.5 to Rs. 2 lakh crore. He noted that its labour-intensive nature makes it indispensable for India’s socio-economic growth.

A key theme of the interaction was the emergence of technical textiles and specialized footwear. To accelerate this transition, the Minister highlighted the government’s Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, which has an outlay of over Rs 10,600 crore. While originally aimed at man-made fibres and technical fabrics, the ripple effects are expected to modernize footwear components, the building blocks of the industry.

India’s footwear industry is looking beyond traditional leather. The focus has shifted toward athleisure, high-Performance gear and smart manufacturing: Driven by a post-pandemic fitness boom, the athletic segment is now the fastest-growing category. Integration of AI-driven diagnostics and 3D design to compete with global hubs like China and Vietnam.

The Minister also noted the hurdles ahead. He acknowledged persistent challenges regarding raw material consistency and quality control. To counter this, the government is strictly enforcing Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) norms, ensuring that ‘Made in India’ becomes a global hallmark of durability.

Industry experts suggest that if India can resolve its supply chain fragmentation, where nearly 70% of the sector remains unorganized, it is on track to hit a staggering $47 billion (approx. Rs 4 lakh crore) valuation by 2030.

According to the minister’s vision, the goal is to transform India into a global design hub. With the "Indian Footwear and Leather Development Programme" (IFLDP) providing support until March 2026, the government is backing the creation of ten dedicated footwear design studios.

As hybrid work and slow travel trends increase the demand for comfort-focused footwear, the Indian industry stands at a crossroads. By bridging the gap between ancient craftsmanship and data-driven diagnostics, India is moving from being a global supplier to a global brand leader.