The leather and footwear industry in India is facing significant challenges due to the ongoing crisis in West Asia, which has led to a 40-60% increase in input costs for key materials. Industry officials have approached the Ministry of Commerce and Industry seeking duty exemptions on various critical inputs, including synthetic leather, metal accessories, and machinery, to alleviate financial pressures. They have also proposed the early implementation of the FLOAT (Footwear and Leather Oriented Transformation) scheme, which aims to cover a broad range of products and support domestic manufacturing. The crisis has disrupted the supply chain, particularly affecting imports from countries like China, Korea, Indonesia, and Japan. In 2025-26, India's leather and leather products exports fell by 2.36% year-on-year to $4.26 billion, while total sector exports, including non-leather goods, are expected to reach $5.6 billion. The industry is hopeful that these measures will help stabilize costs and enhance competitiveness in the global market.