Israel-Lebanon War Hits Indian Carpet Industry, Bhadohi carpet Expo

Bhadohi, Uttar Pradesh – The ongoing conflict between Israel and Lebanon has started to impact the Indian carpet industry, with the upcoming International Carpet Expo in Bhadohi likely to bear the brunt.Thirteen importers from Israel and Lebanon have pulled out of the expo, scheduled to begin on October 15, dealing a significant blow to the industry. These countries are major buyers of Indian carpets, and their absence is expected to affect sales.According to Aslam Mahboob, administrative member of the Carpet Export Promotion Council, “India exports carpets to Israel and Lebanon, which had potential for market expansion. However, their absence won’t significantly impact the expo.”Sanjay Gupta, another administrative member, added, “Lebanon, considered the Switzerland of the Middle East, is a wealthy nation whose citizens appreciate Indian carpets. Their absence will substantially impact the expo.”The Indian carpet industry, particularly in Bhadohi, is already reeling from the effects of the Russia-Ukraine war. The latest development has added to the concerns of local entrepreneurs.The Carpet Export Promotion Council is exploring alternative markets to mitigate the losses. The council has confirmed that the remaining importers are still scheduled to attend the expo.The Bhadohi carpet industry is renowned for its exquisite handmade carpets, and the expo is a crucial platform for manufacturers to showcase their products and connect with global buyers.