FDDI represented the footwear sector at the National Quality Conclave (NQC) Series-1, held on 23 February 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal, addressed the gathering virtually, while the conclave was inaugurated by Union Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, Shri Jitin Prasada.
In his address, Shri Piyush Goyal emphasised that quality must become the defining mantra of India’s manufacturing and export ecosystem. He highlighted that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of “Zero Defect, Zero Effect” will serve as the cornerstone of India’s growth during the Amrit Kaal. Aligning the initiative with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, the Minister stated that India’s aspiration to become a $30–35 trillion economy by 2047 rests on three key pillars — Zero Defect (quality), Zero Effect (sustainability), and Equitable Opportunity (inclusivity).
Shri Jitin Prasada noted that as global opportunities expand, India must decisively transition towards quality-led manufacturing. He emphasised that platforms such as the National Quality Conclave play a crucial role in strengthening India’s position as a trusted global manufacturing and export destination.
Secretary, DPIIT, Shri Amardeep Singh Bhatia, highlighted that strengthening India’s industrial ecosystem requires coordinated engagement among government, industry, and institutions, supported by quality-driven policy frameworks. He stressed that sustained quality improvement is essential for meeting global demand, building international trust, and positioning India as a reliable partner in global supply chains.
Chairperson, Quality Council of India (QCI), Shri Jaxay Shah, underscored that quality must go beyond audits and certifications to become a daily discipline at the shopfloor level. He stated that for Viksit Bharat 2047, quality is not merely a pathway but the destination.
The conclave featured focused discussions on Textiles, Leather, Footwear, and Pharmaceuticals, aiming to identify practical challenges, align with international benchmarks, and create actionable pathways for sustained excellence across sectors.
Representing FDDI, Managing Director Mr. Vivek Sharma, IRS, set the context during the Footwear Domain Session, highlighting FDDI’s role in promoting quality standards, sustainability practices, and industry collaboration in partnership with the Quality Council of India (QCI) and industry clusters.
FDDI officials Mr. Prashant Kumar Saxena, Head BD & SD; Mrs. Rashmi Asthana, Head ITC; Mr. Sharad Srivastava, Chief Faculty; and Mr. Dinesh Kumar K., HoD – Footwear Department, participated in the two-day deliberations alongside QCI and industry stakeholders. Their discussions focused on integrating quality pillars into the national roadmap for industry growth, competitiveness, and sustainability.
Through its participation, FDDI reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening quality standards, fostering innovation, and supporting the development of a globally competitive footwear industry in India.
