**Executive Summary**
The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu, graced the convocation ceremony of the Footwear Design and Development Institute (FDDI) in New Delhi on December 1, 2025. The President highlighted India's growing self-reliance, the "Champion Sector" status given to the footwear industry, and the importance of increasing footwear exports. The signing of an MoU between FDDI and the University of Northampton was also noted.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Economic Growth and Footwear Industry:**
* India is becoming increasingly self-reliant and expanding its economic role globally.
* The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade has designated the footwear sector as a 'Champion Sector' under the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan.
* The Government is providing incentives to encourage investment in the footwear sector.
* **Footwear Production and Trade:**
* India ranks second globally in footwear production and consumption.
* In fiscal year 2024-25, India's footwear exports were just over 2500 million US dollars, while imports were approximately 680 million dollars.
* India's footwear exports are approximately four times that of imports.
* Expansion of the footwear business is needed to increase exports and create employment opportunities.
* **International Collaboration:**
* An MoU was signed between FDDI and the University of Northampton.
* The MoU emphasizes sustainable materials and circular economy practices, aligning with the commitment to environmental conservation.
* **Advice to Graduating Students:**
* Graduating students were advised to contribute to society and the country through their work in footwear design.
* Students were urged to improve health and functionality, create employment, enable participation in economic development, strengthen the economy, become brand ambassadors, and contribute to achieving 'Self-reliant India'.
**Impact Analysis**
**FDDI (Footwear Design and Development Institute) and the University of Northampton**
* **Impact:**
* FDDI strengthens its relationship with the University of Northampton, fostering cooperation and focusing on sustainable practices.
* Both institutions contribute to environmental conservation through collaborative efforts.
* **Action Required:**
* Implement the terms and conditions outlined in the MoU.
**Footwear Design Graduates**
* **Impact:**
* Graduates are encouraged to contribute to society by using their skills to improve health and create employment.
* Graduates will be encouraged to work towards the national goal of “Self-reliant India”.
* **Action Required:**
* Apply their knowledge and skills to make multifaceted contributions to society and the country.
**Indian Footwear Industry**
* **Impact:**
* Industry is encouraged to expand to further increase exports.
* **Action Required:**
* Continue to innovate and compete in the global market.
Key Entities Referenced
Footwear Design and Development Institute: A design and development institute for footwear.
Droupadi Murmu: The President of India.
Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan: An initiative aimed at making India self-reliant.
Ministry of Commerce and Industry: The ministry responsible for commerce and industry in India.
Free Trade Agreement between India and the United Kingdom: An agreement between India and the United Kingdom to promote trade.
President's Secretariat
PRESIDENT OF INDIA GRACES CONVOCATION
CEREMONY OF THE FOOTWEAR DESIGN AND
DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE
प्रव तथ: 01 DEC 2025 1:55PM by PIB Delhi
The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu, graced the convocation ceremony of the Footwear Design
and Development Institute in New Delhi today (December 1, 2025).
Speaking on the occasion, the President said that today, India is becoming increasingly self-reliant and
capable of further expanding its economic role on the global economic stage. She was happy to note that
the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has
given the status of ‘Champion Sector’ to the footwear sector under the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan. She
said that the Government is providing an ecosystem and incentives to encourage investment in the
footwear sector.
The President noted that India ranks second in the world in terms of footwear production and
consumption. During the fiscal year 2024-25, India's footwear exports were just over 2500 million US
dollars, while our footwear imports were approximately 680 million dollars. So, India's footwear exports
are almost four times that of imports. She stated that India is a leading exporter of footwear in the world.
However, to further increase our exports, the footwear business needs to be expanded. And this expansion
will increase opportunities for the students to become entrepreneurs and create employment or find
employment in enterprises.
The President was happy to note the signing of an MoU between FDDI and the University of
Northampton. She said that this marks another dimension of the deepening of our cooperation under the
Free Trade Agreement between India and the United Kingdom. She underlined that this MoU places
special emphasis on sustainable materials and circular economy practices. She said that such efforts reflect
both countries' commitment to environmental conservation.
The President said that the field of footwear design has many important dimensions. She advised
graduating students to proceed in their field with the broad vision that they will make multifaceted
contributions to society and the country through their work. She urged them to work towards improving
the health and functionality of the people through their footwear design; to create employment for people
through their work; to enable those who have been relatively left behind in the development journey to
participate in economic development through their work; to strengthen our economy by contributing to
India's exports; to become India's brand ambassadors in the global market through their quality products;
and to make a significant contribution to achieving the national goal of 'Self-reliant India'.
Please click here to see the President's speech-****
MJPS/SR
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