India is taking significant steps to double its textile exports by 2030, with the recently signed India–UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) emerging as a key growth driver. A high-level delegation, led by Neelam Shami Rao, Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, visited the UK to deepen trade engagement and promote India’s growing strength in technical textiles.
The delegation participated in a Technical Textiles Roadshow in Manchester, showcasing India’s capabilities across the textile value chain—from innovation and sustainability to global partnerships and circular economy practices.
India targets leadership in technical textiles through R&D and green innovation
Technical textiles—used in automotive, medical, industrial, and infrastructure applications—are one of India’s fastest-growing textile segments, with a strong push coming from the National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM).
Secretary Rao emphasized India’s focus on:
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Sustainable production and green manufacturing
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Waste reduction and traceability
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Building resilient, transparent supply chains
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Leveraging GI-tagged traditional products with global appeal
The roadshow also focused on connecting UK retailers and industrial buyers with India’s cost-efficient, innovation-led textile ecosystem, including MSMEs and exporters working on next-gen fabrics.
India–UK pact unlocks trade, technology and investment partnerships
The India–UK CETA is expected to unlock mutual benefits for both nations:
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Reduced tariffs and better market access for Indian exporters
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Investor confidence in India’s compliance with global standards
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Technology collaborations in advanced materials, circular fashion, and sustainable supply chains
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Opportunities for Indian MSMEs in technical textile exports, design, and joint ventures
During the visit, the Indian delegation toured the Manchester Fashion Institute and the Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre, exploring potential partnerships in smart fabrics, sustainable materials, and research commercialization.
Flagship textile schemes powering India’s export ambitions
India’s textile sector is being propelled by landmark initiatives like:
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PM MITRA Mega Textile Parks – to provide world-class infrastructure
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Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme – to promote scale and competitiveness
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NTTM – to boost innovation in technical textiles
With these enablers and the strategic market access offered through CETA, India is aiming to double textile exports by 2030, while supporting a sustainable and mutually beneficial trade relationship with the UK.
This push also enhances opportunities for Indian MSMEs in handloom, handicrafts, and value-added segments, helping them tap into high-value international markets.