India’s hand and power tool exports could exceed $25 bn by 2035 from around $1 bn currently, industry representatives said at the Tools & Equipment Expo 2026 in New Delhi. The event began at Bharat Mandapam on September 18 and brought together manufacturers, exhibitors, visitors and other sector stakeholders.

Yogesh Mudras, managing director of Informa Markets in India, said the export outlook reflected a significant opportunity to strengthen the country’s manufacturing and international supply capabilities. He also noted that the sector was entering an important phase of growth, supported by increased participation at the expo.

Yadu Kumar Yadav, deputy director at NPC-DPIIT under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, said the focus during the past decade had been on integrating micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) through lean manufacturing. The next phase, he said, would require deeper digital integration, with MSMEs moving towards Industry 4.0 and internet of things (IoT)-enabled systems.

The expo features more than 300 exhibitors from India and overseas. Industry representatives said rising manufacturing activity and domestic demand would support growth in tools and equipment, while technology adoption and expanded local supply chains could help Indian manufacturers increase their global presence.

India currently accounts for around 15 per cent of the global cutting tools market, according to industry estimates. PG Subramanian, executive secretary of the Indian Cutting Tool Manufacturers’ Association, said the global cutting tools market was valued at around $23 bn and could reach nearly $30 bn by 2030. However, manufacturers face raw material challenges and limited domestic recycling and reprocessing facilities. The industry has sought easier access to government schemes, simpler regulatory compliance and greater development of skilled manpower to support component localisation and stronger supply chains.