Nagaland showcases indigenous craftsmanship at Bharat Utsav 2025 in Moscow

Officials from Nagaland government's Department of Industries & Commerce, along with entrepreneurs from the state participated at Bharat Utsav 2025, held from July 5 to 13, at the iconic Manezhnaya Square in Moscow, Russia. 

Organized by the Indian Embassy in Moscow with support from the Moscow City Government, this cultural diplomacy initiative served as a global platform to celebrate India’s artistic traditions and entrepreneurial spirit.

Guided by the leadership of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, who served as the chief guest at the closing ceremony, the state’s participation was brought into both national and international focus. The chief minister’s formal inauguration of the Nagaland Stall not only added stature to the occasion but also reaffirmed the state's commitment to advancing local industries and empowering entrepreneurs on the global stage.

The department expressed its gratitude to the chief minister for providing this remarkable platform to showcase Nagaland’s economic and cultural potential. The delegation for the department was led by MLA & Advisor for Industries & Commerce, Nagaland, Hekani Jakhalu, and P. Tokugha Sema, Director of the Department of Industries & Commerce, Nagaland, along with senior officials from the department.

At the heart of Nagaland’s participation was a powerful showcase curated by the Department of Industries & Commerce, featuring handpicked entrepreneurs and producers from the State. These local visionaries - many of whom were engaging with an international audience for the first time - received unparalleled global exposure. The international footfall and overwhelming interest in Nagaland’s stall offered entrepreneurs a first-hand opportunity to access new markets, understand international consumer trends, and position their products beyond local limitations.

The featured products represented the soul of Nagaland’s craftsmanship and indigenous creativity, ranging from exquisite handloom and textile items to finely crafted handicrafts. These included bamboo mugs, mini bamboo cups, square and rectangular trays, wooden plates, pen stands, bamboo earrings, wood necklace pendants, masks, echo boxes, coconut spoons, fridge magnets, extension cords, paper pencils, bamboo pens, platters, and salt containers. The stall also featured cushion covers, silk shawls, Nagaland coffee, honey, small purses, and table runners - all reflecting the State’s rich heritage in artisanal work and traditional materials.

The products attracted strong interest and were completely sold out during the festival. This international exposure is not merely symbolic but marks a strategic and economic milestone for the Department of Industries & Commerce in its ongoing mission to support sustainable livelihood generation, empower indigenous producers, and build scalable entrepreneurial ecosystems. By enabling direct international engagement for local enterprises, the Department is fostering pathways for export-readiness, design innovation, and global competitiveness.

This historic participation is only a beginning; the department remains committed to building on this momentum by fostering new partnerships, scaling local businesses for international outreach, and continually investing in the talent, creativity, and resilience of Nagaland’s entrepreneurs.