MSME Ministry and DPIIT Join Hands to Expand GI Products Through ONDC and GeM

A New Push for GI Products

Pooja Srivastava | Anytime News Network

New Delhi. India’s rich tradition of regional crafts, products and cultural heritage is set to receive a major commercial boost. The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) and the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at accelerating the commercialisation, quality standardisation and market access of India’s Geographical Indication (GI) products.

MoU Signed on August 5

The agreement was signed on August 5, 2026, at Vanijya Bhawan, New Delhi. Mohammad Salik Parvez, Director, Ministry of MSME, and Karan Thapar, Director, IPR Division, DPIIT, signed the MoU in the presence of senior officials from both organisations.

‘Bharat GI’ Gets a New Identity

A key element of the partnership is the launch of the ‘Bharat GI’ banner. Under this initiative, GI clusters and authorised users will be facilitated on the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) and the Government e-Marketplace (GeM).

The move is aimed at giving regional producers stronger access to digital commerce and organised markets.

From Heritage to Enterprise

The partnership goes beyond legal protection of geographical indications. The two organisations will work towards transforming traditional products and craftsmanship into commercially viable enterprises capable of reaching larger domestic and international markets.

Capacity building, digital empowerment and improved market access for artisans, weavers and producer groups will remain key areas of cooperation.

ODOP Ecosystem to Gain Momentum

Both organisations will work towards integrating the One District One Product (ODOP) approach into their programmes and interventions. The initiative is expected to strengthen local production ecosystems while improving branding, marketability and commercial opportunities for regional products.

Global Market Push

The agreement also provides for collaboration in national and international trade fairs, buyer-seller meets and exhibitions. Dedicated GI pavilions will be co-sponsored to showcase Indian GI products to domestic and international buyers.

Local Heritage, Global Opportunity

DPIIT is the nodal department for registration and legal protection of GI products under the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999, while the MSME Ministry focuses on the development and strengthening of MSMEs, traditional industries and artisans.

The partnership seeks to align these responsibilities and strengthen India’s GI ecosystem while advancing the vision of Vocal for Local and Atmanirbhar Bharat.