A Kashmiri artisan is seen weaving a traditional carpet on a loom at a carpet weaving factory in Srinagar. | Photo credit: Imran Nissar
The ongoing war in West Asia has cast a shadow over the export of Kashmir’s famous and much sought-after carpets as three of the world’s top carpet shows in China, Denmark and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) were canceled “due to the prevailing situation”.
The Carpet Export Promotion Council (CEPC) of the Ministry of Textiles has informed Kashmiri carpet dealers of the postponement of two key global exhibitions, International Exhibitions Copenhagen Lifestyle Expo in Denmark and Qinghai International Carpet Exhibition in China. In addition, the Sharjah exhibition in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) was cancelled.
“Due to the prevailing geopolitical tensions and ongoing conflict, the organizers of the event have informed the Council of the postponement of the events,” said Dr. Smita Nagarkoti, Executive Director, CEPC. The Copenhagen Lifestyle Expo was scheduled from April 22 to 26, 2026, the Qinghai International Carpet Exhibition from June 10 to 14, 2026, and the Sharjah Expo from April 12 to 14.
“Adjusted dates for Copenhagen Lifestyle Expo and Qinghai International Carpet Exhibition will be announced in due course once we receive them from the organizers,” said Ms. Nagarkoti.
Postponements due to the ongoing war between Iran and the US-Israeli bloc and their Gulf allies have left carpet traders in Kashmir staring at bleak export prospects this year.
“Kashmir’s carpet industry is already in the doldrums and these delays due to the war will make it more difficult. We fear that this will also affect the carpet sales that take place in Kashmir due to tourism,” said Manzoor Sidiq Shah, one of the partners of Ali Shah Crafts, one of Kashmir’s oldest families involved in the carpet industry.
Sheikh Ashiq, another major exporter of Kashmiri carpets, said that exhibitions around the world are either canceled or postponed, “hitting export prospects”.
“Iran monopolizes the carpet chain in the world and takes other carpet producing regions with it, especially to global exhibitions. The war has affected this chain. It will also affect the export of carpets from Kashmir. Carpet traders in Kashmir planned to participate in Sharjah and the same was cancelled. It is these exhibitions that get top buyers for local buyers. Now we hoped for Mr. Kashmir to buy carpets.” Ashiq.
In 2024–25, Kashmir’s exports soared to ₹260.70 crore. From 2022-23, the sector is witnessing a steady decline from ₹ 357 crore. According to official figures, around 80,000 local people are involved in carpet production in Kashmir. Production and exports saw a jump from ₹84.55 crore in 1990-91 to ₹821.50 crore in 2016-16.
Published – 31 March 2026 08:55 IST
