In a major move to strengthen the commercial potential of India’s Geographical Indication (GI) products, the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) and the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
The agreement was signed at Vanijya Bhawan, New Delhi, with Md. Salik Parwaiz, Director, Ministry of MSME, and Shri Karan Thapar, Director, IPR Division, DPIIT, signing the MoU in the presence of senior officials from both organisations.
Focus on commercialising India’s GI heritage
The partnership seeks to bridge the gap between legal protection of geographical identities and the commercial development of products associated with specific regions. While GI registration safeguards the identity and reputation of products linked to a particular geographical area, the two organisations have recognised the need for stronger interventions to help producers achieve wider domestic and international markets.
Under the new framework, the Ministry of MSME and DPIIT will work together to improve the commercialisation, quality standardisation and market penetration of GI products. The initiative is expected to create new opportunities for traditional artisans, weavers, producers and other local enterprises by helping them transition from small-scale and local markets to more organised and commercially sustainable businesses.
DPIIT serves as India’s nodal department for the registration and legal protection of Geographical Indications under the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999. The Ministry of MSME, meanwhile, is responsible for supporting the growth and development of the country’s MSME sector, including traditional industries and artisan communities.
GI products to be integrated with ODOP
A key component of the collaboration will be closer integration of GI products with the government’s One District One Product (ODOP) ecosystem. The two organisations will explore ways to incorporate ODOP into programme planning and interventions, enabling locally distinctive products to benefit from wider institutional support.
The partnership is also expected to facilitate the onboarding of GI collectives and authorised users onto digital commerce platforms. GI producers will be supported in gaining access to the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) and the Government e-Marketplace (GeM).
A dedicated “Bharat GI” banner will provide a common identity for these products and help improve their visibility among consumers and institutional buyers. Greater digital access could allow traditional producers to connect directly with markets beyond their immediate geographical regions.
Dedicated platforms for domestic and global promotion
The MoU also provides for joint participation in national and international trade events. The two organisations will co-sponsor dedicated GI Pavilions at trade expos, buyer-seller meetings and exhibitions.
Such platforms are expected to provide GI producers with opportunities to showcase their products to domestic consumers, international buyers and potential business partners. Greater exposure at commercial events could also support export promotion and help Indian GI products establish stronger positions in premium markets.
Supporting artisans and local enterprises
The collaboration places considerable emphasis on capacity building, digital enablement and market access. These interventions are expected to strengthen producer collectives and help artisans and weavers improve the commercial prospects of their traditional products.
By connecting intellectual property protection with enterprise development, the partnership seeks to build a more integrated GI ecosystem. Legal recognition alone may protect a product’s geographical identity, but improved production standards, branding, digital presence, financing and market connections can help translate that recognition into sustainable economic opportunities.
Advancing ‘Vocal for Local’ and Aatmanirbhar Bharat
The initiative is aligned with the broader objectives of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Vocal for Local, with an emphasis on turning India’s diverse traditional products into stronger economic assets.
The MSME Ministry-DPIIT partnership is expected to provide a coordinated pathway for GI products to move from regional markets to premium domestic and international segments. By combining intellectual property protection with enterprise promotion, digital commerce and organised marketing, the initiative could help create stronger income opportunities for indigenous producers while preserving India’s distinctive cultural and manufacturing heritage.
Also Read: Indian Bank Sanctions Nearly ₹500 Crore MSME Loans During 120th Foundation Day Celebrations
Author: Shivam
Shivam Dwivedi is a senior journalist with extensive experience in research-driven journalism, policy communication, and multi-platform storytelling. His areas of interest include international relations, defence, science & technology, education, urban development, agriculture, spirituality, and environmental sustainability. His work focuses on in-depth analysis, public discourse, and impactful narratives across governance and development sectors, with a strong commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Contact: [email protected]
