India is working toward getting zero duty access through free trade agreements in leather goods, sportswear and footwear.

About 7,000 small industries units are connected with the footwear sector which holds great significance to the economy and foreign exchange earnings of the country.Nearly 40 per cent employed in the sector are women and for every 1000 pairs that are produced or sold, 425 jobs are secured. India is the second largest producer of footwear and leather garments. The center has notified the Indian Footwear and Leather Development Program with an outlay of Rs1700 crores for implementation during 2021-26.

India has immense potential in the footwear sector and ethical and responsible practices like zero-waste discharge, salt-free tanning, and occupational health and safety interventionscan increase production and export ten times in the near future. Through a quality control order imports can be limited and good-quality exports can be achieved. Strong global branding through road shows, e-platforms and global joint ventures can help the sector make a mark globally.

Attention can be given to the non-leather footwear sector as well. A lot of emphasis is now being given to the production of manmade fiber. Since brands are dependent on India for raw materials, Indian brands with high-value projects can find their way into the global market.