Context: Bharat Tex 2025, India’s largest global textile event, was held in New Delhi, showcasing India’s textile advancements and global trade potential.

• The Indian government aims to triple textile exports from Rs 3 lakh crore to Rs 9 lakh crore by 2030, leveraging sustainability, innovation, and policy support.

Overview of India’s Textile Sector

• India is the sixth-largest exporter of textiles globally, contributing 8.21% to the country’s total exports in 2023-24.

• The sector holds a 4.5% share in global trade, with the United States and European Union accounting for 47% of India’s textile and apparel exports.

• Employment Generator: Provides direct jobs to 45 million people and indirect livelihood to over 100 million, including rural and women workers.

• Export Markets: USA and EU account for 47% of India’s textile exports.

• Government Initiatives: Rs 10,683 crore allocated under Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme to boost manufacturing.

About

• Bharat Tex 2025 served as a platform to accelerate the government’s “Farm to Fibre, Fabric, Fashion, and Foreign Markets” vision. 

• The event featured over 5,000 exhibitors and more than 1,20,000 trade visitors, from 120+ countries including global CEOs, policymakers, and industry leaders, attended the event.

Supportive Policy Framework

• Prime Minister Mega Integrated Textile Region and Apparel (PM MITRA) Parks Scheme: 7 mega textile parks with an expected investment of USD 10 Bn are being set up with world class infrastructure, plug and play facilities and an integrated ecosystem.

• Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme with approved incentives of INR 10,683 crore to promote production of Man-made fibers (MMF) Apparel, MMF Fabrics and Products of Technical Textiles.

• Samarth: The scheme is a demand-driven and placement-oriented program to build Capacity, address skill gaps in the textile value chain.

• National Handloom Development Programme (NHDP):  Financial and market support for handloom weavers.

• Raw Material Support: Promotion of cotton, jute, silk, and wool to improve quality and yield.

Challenges Facing India’s Textile Industry

• High Raw Material Costs:  Fluctuating cotton, jute, and synthetic fiber prices.

• Outdated Technology:  Low adoption of automation and modern machinery.

• Global Competition: Strong competition from China, Vietnam and Bangladesh.

• Environmental Regulations: Compliance with sustainability norms and pollution control.

• Skilled Labor Shortage:  Workforce needs upskilling to meet industry demands.

• Supply Chain Issues: Logistics inefficiencies and export-import bottlenecks.

• Limited Market Access:  Trade barriers, high tariffs, and FTA limitations.

• Lack of Technology & Automation: Slow adoption of AI, robotics, and smart textiles limits productivity.

• Environmental Concerns: Water-intensive production and pollution from dyeing units affect sustainability goals.

• Infrastructure Gaps: Need for modern textile parks, better logistics, and export-oriented clusters.

Road Ahead

• Technology Upgradation: Invest in automation and modern machinery.

• Skill Development: Strengthen workforce training through Samarth and other initiatives.

• Global Market Expansion: Leverage FTAs and improve export competitiveness.

• Raw Material Security: Enhance cotton, jute, silk, and wool production.

• Boosting Export Competitiveness: Strengthen free trade agreements (FTAs) with key markets like the EU and USA.

• Investment in Technology & Automation: Encourage AI-driven textile manufacturing, automated weaving, and sustainable practices.

• Expanding Technical Textiles & MMF Production: Achieve global leadership in technical textiles through R&D incentives.

• Sustainable and Green Manufacturing: Increase adoption of zero-liquid discharge (ZLD) systems and renewable energy in textile units.

• Infrastructure & Policy Reforms: Accelerate PM MITRA parks, textile hubs, and streamlined regulatory approvals.

Conclusion

• India’s textile industry is on the cusp of transformational growth, driven by government support, innovation, and sustainability. Bharat Tex 2025 has reinforced India’s position as a global textile hub, with a clear roadmap to achieve Rs 9 lakh crore in exports by 2030. With strong policy backing, technological advancements, and skilled workforce development, India is set to redefine the global textile landscape.