Textile transformation: India’s strategic weave into the future

January 27, 2025

The focus is on India's textile industry as IHGF approaches

The global spotlight is on India’s textile industry, which skilfully weaves centuries-old traditions with cutting-edge innovation. As one of the largest textile producers globally, India is poised to solidify its leadership amidst growing demand for sustainability, high-performance fabrics, and competitive supply chains. With the industry projected to grow to USD 350 billion by 2030 and expected to add 35 million new jobs, India’s textile sector is at the forefront of shaping a massive economic and employment expansion.

India’s textile industry, a cornerstone of the economy, contributes 2.3% to the GDP and employs over 45 million people directly, with an additional 55 million indirectly involved across the value chain.

As the second-largest employment generator after agriculture, it plays a vital role in rural upliftment and women’s empowerment. Enhanced by a robust economic framework, cutting-edge technology, international reach, and strong government support, the sector demonstrates vast potential as a global leader.

The diverse range of products—from heritage handwoven fabrics like khadi and silk to mass-produced garments and technical textiles—have solidified the sector’s global reputation and driven economic growth.

This variety aligns with the 5F vision, covering the entire spectrum from farm to fibre, fabric, fashion, and foreign markets, and fosters a well-developed supply chain that extends from production to retail, all while preserving the cultural legacy embedded in India’s handlooms.

India’s ability to produce various textiles at competitive prices continues to attract global brands and retailers. Yet, as fast fashion and consumer preferences evolve rapidly, staying competitive demands more than just cost efficiency. This is why Indian manufacturers are now enhancing their design capabilities, anticipating global trends, and offering versatile products that meet the needs of discerning consumers.

The move into high-value technical textiles, catering to industries such as healthcare, automotive, and agriculture, signifies a crucial shift from traditional outputs. Moreover, recognizing the need to balance fibre reliance, India is reducing its over-dependence on cotton and scaling up synthetic fibre production—a strategic adjustment that has propelled China to a dominant position in global textile exports. This shift is

further supported by the launch of the multi-million-dollar National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM), aimed at upscaling India’s global leadership in the technical textile space.

Bharat Tex 2025, India’s largest textile event, showcases India’s extensive capabilities within the textile sector. This event offers key stakeholders the opportunity to engage with and experience the cutting-edge innovations India contributes to the global stage, highlighting the country’s pivotal role in shaping the future of global textiles. This catalytic initiative in the transformative journey of India’s textile industry, is poised to thrust the sector into a new era of global prominence and innovation.

Scheduled for February 12-17, 2025, this pivotal event, hosted m in New Delhi, is set to amplify India’s textile prowess on a global scale.

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