PM Narendra Modi inaugurated Bharat Tex 2025 at Bharat Mandapam, highlighting India’s textile heritage and expanding global reach. He toured the exhibition and praised Bharat Tex for evolving into a major international event. This edition featured exhibitors across the full textile value chain, from accessories to machinery, chemicals, and dyes.
Addressing industry leaders and stakeholders, Modi called Bharat Tex a vital platform for global collaboration among policymakers, CEOs, and entrepreneurs. He noted the participation of 120 countries, offering Indian businesses key exposure to international markets. Many exhibitors from last year reported securing new buyers and expanding their reach. The Prime Minister urged the banking sector to support textile entrepreneurs to drive further growth and employment.
Textile industry’s global expansion and economic contribution
Modi outlined India's textile sector growth, reporting a 7 per cent rise in exports last year, making India the sixth-largest textile exporter. He set an ambitious goal of tripling exports from Rs 3 lakh crore to Rs 9 lakh crore by 2030. Foreign investment in textiles has doubled in a decade, now contributing 11 per cent to India's manufacturing sector.
The Prime Minister highlighted the Mission for Cotton Productivity, aimed at making Indian cotton globally competitive and strengthening the entire value chain. He also pointed to initiatives in technical textiles, including the development of indigenous carbon fiber. With MSMEs contributing 80 per cent of textile production, expanded credit access and revised classifications in the latest budget will boost growth.
Modi emphasized the role of skill development, noting efforts by National Centres of Excellence and the Samarth scheme to upskill artisans and workers. Handloom promotion remains a priority, with 2,400+ marketing events in the past decade and the launch of the India-hand-made e-commerce platform. He also highlighted the benefits of GI tagging in promoting traditional crafts.
Sustainability, innovation, and the future of Indian textiles
Sustainability remains a key focus for the textile industry. Modi warned that global fashion waste could reach 148 million tons by 2030 and called on India's textile industry to lead in recycling and upcycling. He highlighted traditional practices like rug and quilt-making from old fabrics and announced a government-backed textile waste collection and recycling initiative. India’s textile recycling market is projected to reach $400 million soon.
The Prime Minister urged industry leaders to blend tradition with innovation, encouraging young entrepreneurs to create products inspired by Indian textiles. AI and technology, he noted, are reshaping fashion trends and textile design. He linked India’s sustainable fashion leadership to global discussions on climate change and responsible consumption. Modi expressed confidence that Bharat Tex would drive future industry growth, reiterating India's commitment to strengthening its textile sector. He emphasized its historic role in India's prosperity and its potential to drive economic growth.
Bharat Tex 2025 (Feb 14-17) is among the largest global textile events, drawing policymakers, industry leaders, and 5,000+ exhibitors. It features exhibitions, conferences, panel discussions, startup pitch fests, and innovation challenges to drive investment and technological advancement. More than 25 global textile organizations, including ITMF, ICAC, EURATEX, Textile Exchange, and USFIA, took part in Bharat Tex 2025.
