Salone del Mobile.Milano has returned to India for the third consecutive year, reaffirming its strategic presence in one of the most dynamic global creative markets. The delegation travelled from New Delhi to Mumbai, fostering dialogue across art, design and contract furniture in the lead-up to the 2026 edition in Milan (21–26 April, Fiera Milano Rho).
© Salone del Mobile.Milano
Salone del Mobile.Milano Networking Dinner, The Leela Palace, Grand Ballroom, Chanakyapuri, Diplomatic Enclave, New Delhi.
The first stop was the India Art Fair in New Delhi, where the Salone engaged with architects, designers, collectors and cultural leaders. A key highlight was the networking dinner at The Leela Palace, attended by Antonio Bartoli, Italian Ambassador to India and Nepal.
During the fair, Annalisa Rosso, Editorial Director and Cultural Events Advisor, hosted the talk Next Design Perspectives between Milan and New Delhi, joined by Andrea Anastasio, Greg Foster, and Gunjan Gupta. The discussion explored craftsmanship, artisan memory and the historic ties between post-war Italian design and India's rapidly evolving creative landscape.
Within this context, the Salone also introduced Salone Raritas, a new curatorial platform dedicated to limited editions, collectible design and high craftsmanship, debuting at the 64th edition of the fair.
© Salone del Mobile.MilanoAlessandro Rossi, sales and new business development manager.
The delegation then moved to Mumbai, India's financial and real estate powerhouse. On 10 February, the Salone hosted Shaping Luxury Spaces: Italian Design for India's Real Estate & Hospitality Market, presenting Salone Contract, a new platform designed to support architects, developers and international buyers.
The event opened with institutional greetings from Walter Ferrara and Antonietta Baccanari, followed by a presentation from Andrea Vaiani. A panel moderated by Alessandro Giuliani featured leading Indian architects including Sanjay Puri, highlighting how Italian design brands integrate sustainability, craftsmanship and luxury within India's fast-growing hospitality and residential sectors.
India now ranks tenth among the 160 countries represented at the Salone, while Italy is the second-largest EU exporter of furniture to India, reflecting a strong and growing bilateral relationship.
From Delhi to Mumbai, one message emerged clearly: design continues to travel between Milan and India as a shared language and a common future.
More information:
Salone del Mobile.Milano
www.salonemilano.it
