The Indo-Italian Chamber of Commerce and the Indian embassy in Rome  came together to highlight a bit of India in Milan. During the 10 day show in Milan the Italians got the taste of dazzling Indian fashion, cinema and cuisine.

Sure enough, it was a new India that the large number of people who visited the presentation - also showcasing lifestyle, culture and electronics - saw last week.

The spotlight, however, was on fashion with the guru of the country''s catwalks, Tarun Tahiliani, proposing a fusion of Indian and Western fashion styles.

Alberto Masotti, head of the renowned Italian fashion firm La Perla, was also present at Tahiliani''s show. It was he who recommended the show by Tahiliani to the National Chamber of Fashion.

And he explained his interest in India: "Consumptions in India are increasing rapidly. Distribution is mainly relegated to the shopping
centres, but some boutiques are also being opened".

It was a revelation to many that the textile sector accounts for 30 percent (10 billion euros) of India''s total exports. Again, India is the top jute-producing country in the world, the second of silk and third of cotton.