Salone del Mobile.Milano in New Delhi for new Made in Italy design opportunities

As part of its ongoing engagement with India’s design and architecture community, Salone del Mobile.Milano participated in the India Art Fair, reinforcing its connection with a market that has seen increasing participation at the event. In 2024, over 4,890 Indian professionals attended the fair, reflecting the country’s growing interest in high-end furniture, driven by investments in real estate and commercial projects. With the 63rd edition scheduled for 8th-13th April 2025 at Rho Fiera Milano, this interaction highlights the ongoing exchange between Italian manufacturers and India’s design sector, positioning the Salone as a platform for industry collaboration.

At the Italian Cultural Institute of New Delhi, the Salone del Mobile.Milano engaged with industry professionals, companies, and media to discuss India’s expanding market for high-end design and furnishings. Hosted by Antonio Bartoli, Italy’s Ambassador to India and Nepal, along with Antonietta Baccanari of the ITA-Italian Trade Agency and Andrea Anastasio, Director of the Italian Cultural Institute, the discussion highlighted India's projected 6.5% economic growth in 2025 and the increasing demand for premium design solutions, positioning the country as a key market for international collaborations.

Maria Porro, President, Salone del Mobile.Milano said, "The presence of the Salone del Mobile in India offers unique opportunities to consolidate trade and cultural relations between the two countries. The performance of Italian exports in the wood-furnishing sector confirms the interest and growth potential in this market, making it a crucial destination for the internationalisation strategies of Italian companies within the sector."

Antonio Bartoli, Italy’s Ambassador to India and Nepal, also emphasised the central role of the Salone as a platform for dialogue between the two countries and commented, “Almost 2,000 exhibitors from all over the world. Over 350,000 visitors. Around 2 million interactions between people. The ability to combine style, elegance, tradition and innovation is a common trait of both Indian and Italian design."

Antonietta Baccanari, Director of the ITA-Italian Trade Agency Office in New Delhi and Coordinator for India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka added: "Design enthusiasts in India have long recognised the excellence and innovation of Italian craftsmanship. Italy remains firmly positioned as the third largest supplier of furniture to India. The presence of representatives from the Salone del Mobile in New Delhi is testament to the enduring ties between Italy and India, celebrating a shared passion for creativity, beauty and quality. We are keen to help support new collaborations and strengthen Italy's commitment to shaping the future of design in India."

The roundtable "When Design Meets Art and Craft" examined the intersection of craftsmanship and contemporary global design. Moderated by Samta Nadeem, the discussion featured Maria Porro, alongside industry experts Malika Verma, Iram Sultan, and Federico Fraternale, each bringing perspectives on materiality, cultural identity, and cross-disciplinary practices. The dialogue focused on the evolving relationship between Made in Italy and Made in India, exploring shifts in luxury, production ethics, and the role of design in bridging cultural and professional landscapes. The session also addressed emerging design geographies and the evolving dynamics of applied arts and manufacturing.

As part of the Salone del Mobile.Milano’s visit to India, Maria Porro presented the ‘Award for Excellence in the Restoration of a Historic Building’ to Mathew and Ghosh Architects at the AD100 India 2025 awards ceremony on 7th February. The award recognized the firm’s work on the restoration of RBANM’s High School in Ulsoor, Bangalore, led by architects Soumitro Ghosh and Nisha Mathew. The project highlights an approach to restoration that balances historical continuity with contemporary architectural practice.