India ranks as the sixth-largest textile exporter globally, contributing 8.21% to the country’s total exports in 2023-24. Holding a 4.5% share in global trade, the sector significantly impacts the economy, with the United States and the European Union accounting for 47% of India’s textile and apparel exports.
The textile industry in India has long been a cornerstone of economic growth and cultural heritage. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the sector has undergone significant transformation, driven by policy initiatives, technological advancements, and a commitment to sustainability. One of the most defining milestones in this journey is Bharat Tex 2024, India’s largest global textile event, held from February 26 to 29, 2024, at Bharat Mandapam and Yashobhoomi, New Delhi. Spanning 2.2 million square feet, with over 3,500 exhibitors and more than 50,000 trade visitors from 100+ countries, Bharat Tex 2024 highlighted India’s commitment to revolutionizing the textile sector and strengthening its position in the global market.
India’s Textile Industry: A Key Driver of Economic Growth
India ranks as the sixth-largest textile exporter globally, contributing 8.21% to the country’s total exports in 2023-24. Holding a 4.5% share in global trade, the sector significantly impacts the economy, with the United States and the European Union accounting for 47% of India’s textile and apparel exports. The industry provides direct employment to over 45 million people and indirectly supports more than 100 million, including a large proportion of women and rural workers. By integrating key government initiatives such as Make in India, Skill India, Women Empowerment, and Rural Youth Employment, the textile sector has emerged as a crucial pillar of India’s inclusive economic development.
With India’s textile exports already reaching ₹3 lakh crore, the government has set a target to triple this to ₹9 lakh crore by 2030. Bharat Tex 2024 served as a testament to this ambitious vision by showcasing advancements in domestic manufacturing, global trade partnerships, and cutting-edge textile technologies.
1. Prime Minister Mega Integrated Textile Region and Apparel (PM MITRA) Parks Scheme
The PM MITRA Parks Scheme is a landmark initiative designed to create a globally competitive and integrated textile value chain. Under this scheme, seven mega textile parks will be established across different states, offering state-of-the-art infrastructure and industrial facilities. These parks will feature world-class industrial infrastructure, logistics hubs, and connectivity to ports and railway stations. A plug-and-play model will ensure ready-to-use factory spaces with built-in utilities like power, water, and waste management, reducing operational delays. The government has planned an investment of $10 billion to attract both domestic and foreign investors, boosting employment and export potential. The cluster-based development approach will co-locate various segments of the textile industry, including spinning, weaving, dyeing, and garmenting, to enhance efficiency and reduce costs. Additionally, the initiative is expected to generate around 2 million jobs, empowering rural and semi-urban workers. By promoting self-reliance through Atmanirbhar Bharat, these parks aim to make India a global hub for textiles and reduce dependence on imports.
2. Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Textiles
The PLI scheme is a strategic initiative to boost the production of high-value textile products in India. With an outlay of ₹10,683 crore (~$1 billion), this scheme incentivizes companies engaged in the manufacturing of man-made fiber (MMF) apparel, MMF fabrics, and technical textiles, which are in high demand globally. By focusing on these segments, the scheme aims to strengthen India’s presence in the global textile market while reducing dependency on imports. The initiative is designed to increase competitiveness by promoting large-scale manufacturing and enhancing domestic capabilities. Furthermore, it is estimated to create around 7.5 lakh direct jobs, along with numerous indirect employment opportunities throughout the supply chain. By offering financial incentives based on production and turnover targets, the PLI scheme encourages new investments and expands India’s textile sector’s global footprint.
3. Samarth (Skill Development Scheme)
The Samarth scheme is a demand-driven skill development program designed to enhance workforce capabilities in the textile sector. It focuses on bridging the skill gap by providing training in key areas such as spinning, weaving, dyeing, printing, and garmenting. Industry collaboration plays a crucial role in the scheme’s implementation, as it partners with textile industries, training institutes, and state governments to ensure effective skill-building programs. A unique aspect of this initiative is its placement-oriented approach, ensuring that trainees secure employment in textile companies. Additionally, the scheme promotes social inclusion by offering special provisions for women, SC/ST candidates, and persons with disabilities to encourage their participation in the industry. With a target to benefit over 1 million youth, Samarth is playing a vital role in strengthening India’s human resource base in textiles and ensuring that the industry remains competitive on a global scale.
4. National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM)
The National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM) is a visionary initiative focused on promoting technical textiles, which are high-performance engineered products used in industries like healthcare, defense, construction, and aerospace. The mission aims to expand India’s market size in this sector to $300 billion by 2047. It encourages research and innovation in areas such as medical textiles (surgical gowns, PPE kits), geotextiles (used in road construction), and protective textiles (fire-resistant and ballistic fabrics). To ensure the growth of a skilled workforce, the initiative also emphasizes education and skill development by introducing specialized courses in premier institutions like IITs and NITs. Another significant aspect of this mission is export promotion, which helps Indian manufacturers compete in high-tech textile markets such as the US, EU, and Japan. By focusing on innovation, skill-building, and expanding market opportunities, the NTTM positions India as a global leader in technical textiles.
5. Liberal State Policies Supporting the Textile Industry
Apart from central government initiatives, various state governments have introduced investment-friendly policies to attract textile manufacturers. Many states, including Gujarat, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Madhya Pradesh, offer capital subsidies on machinery, land acquisition, and infrastructure development to encourage new businesses in the sector. Wage incentives have also been introduced to provide financial support for hiring workers, reducing labor costs for textile units. Several states offer power tariff concessions, ensuring subsidized electricity for textile processing units to lower operational expenses. In addition, various state governments have set up special economic zones (SEZs) and textile parks, providing tax exemptions and export benefits to promote industry growth. These policies create a favorable environment for both textile MSMEs and large-scale manufacturers, driving sustained growth in the sector.
6. Grant for Research & Entrepreneurship across Aspiring Innovators in Technical Textiles (GREAT) Scheme
The GREAT Scheme is a newly introduced funding program under the Ministry of Textiles, designed to promote innovation and research in technical textiles. This initiative supports entrepreneurship by providing funding and mentorship for innovators in the textile sector. Recently, four startups were granted ₹50 lakhs each to develop next-generation medical, industrial, and protective textiles. Additionally, three top academic institutions, including IIT Indore and NIT Patna, were allocated ₹6.5 crores to introduce specialized technical textile courses and enhance research capabilities. By offering financial and technical support, the GREAT scheme is driving India’s transition to a technology-driven textile industry, ensuring long-term global competitiveness.
Global Textile Leadership: India’s Positioning on the World Stage
Bharat Tex 2024 demonstrated how India’s rich textile heritage aligns with modern innovation, making the country a formidable player in the global textile market. The event facilitated networking among industry leaders, manufacturers, and global buyers, fostering trade collaborations and investment opportunities.
Focused Zones for Business Excellence
- Intelligent Manufacturing: The adoption of automation, artificial intelligence (AI), and the Internet of Things (IoT) has significantly enhanced productivity and quality in textile production.
- Technical Textiles: High-performance fabrics designed for specialized applications, such as automotive, aerospace, and medical textiles, are driving India’s leadership in this high-growth sector.
- Home Textiles: India’s home textile sector, known for its craftsmanship, caters to a growing global demand for quality interior textiles.
- Fabrics: As one of the world’s largest producers and exporters, India continues to dominate with its diverse range of fabrics, combining tradition with modernity.
- Apparel & Fashion: India’s apparel sector, blending traditional and contemporary styles, has strengthened its presence in global fashion markets.
- Handloom & Handicrafts: India’s handloom traditions, such as Banarasi silk and Kanjeevaram, remain globally sought-after, reflecting the country’s rich textile legacy.
- Handicrafts & Carpets: The sector continues to thrive, with Indie Haat showcasing 85 artisans’ work, preserving traditional art forms and ensuring sustainable livelihoods.
Sustainability and Fashion: The Future of Indian Textiles
A highlight of Bharat Tex 2024 was the “Breathing Threads” fashion show, organized by the Ministry of Textiles to celebrate sustainable and zero-waste handloom fashion. The event attracted global buyers, reinforcing India’s commitment to ethical fashion and environmental responsibility.
The Legacy of Bharat Tex 2024 and the Road Ahead: Bharat Tex 2024 laid a strong foundation, bringing together 3,500+ exhibitors, 3,000+ overseas buyers, and over 50,000 visitors. It featured 50+ knowledge sessions focused on trade, innovation, and sustainability, reinforcing India’s position as a key player in the global textile supply chain. Bharat Tex 2024 expanded on this legacy, setting new benchmarks for international collaborations and industry impact.
Weaving Tomorrow—India’s Textile Revolution
India’s textile industry stands at the intersection of tradition and innovation. By leveraging cutting-edge technology, fostering sustainability, and expanding global trade networks, the Modi government has propelled the sector towards unprecedented growth. With strong policy support, investment in research, and a commitment to skill development, India’s textile industry is not just preserving its rich heritage but also redefining global excellence. As the nation marches towards a ₹9 lakh crore export target by 2030, it is clear that India’s textile sector will remain a key driver of economic growth, employment, and international trade in the years to come.
