3 min readNew DelhiUpdated: Mar 12, 2026 08:18 AM IST
India’s textile sector should aim to scale up to achieve $200 billion of exports from the improved market access of $465 billion from free trade agreements with other countries, Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh said on Wednesday. Urging industry to specialise and diversify, Singh said they should aspire to produce and export fibre and garments for 8 months instead of just 4 months cycle at present to create a 12-month textiles export cycle.
“We should find a place in (textiles) exports for 8 months, not just 4 months… we should look to capture at least $200 billion from the $465 billion market access provided by the FTAs,” he said at the launch of Bharat Tex 2026, which will be held July 14 onwards at Bharat Mandapam in Delhi.
Textiles Secretary Neelam Shami Rao said in the coming months, there will be roadshows across countries and domestically to invite buyers to source from India. “It’s the time for buckling up… and it’s the time to demonstrate our best products. It’s time to diversify into the markets, diversify into new products and demonstrate the best of Bharat textiles,” she said.
Rohit Kansal, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Textiles said Bharat Tex is aimed at integrating different elements of the value chain, adding that the coming edition will focus on three verticals of large global-sized exhibition; global policy dialogue with 50 core sessions along with additional 100 sessions; and B2B interactions with buyers from across the world. “We will discuss policy issues such as India being a stable partner in a globalising world and we will also discuss issues which are related to the shop floor. For example, how can AI help MSMEs in improving productivity?,” Kansal said.
Singh also said that the industry should develop a complete domestic supply chain to build the entire textile ecosystem within the country. The Minister urged industry to work towards building a 24×7 system for engaging with global buyers to boost India’s textile exports. He said the Bharat Tex 2026 will act as a single largest global platform for domestic players as it brings together the entire textile value chain, ranging from fibre and yarn to fabrics, garments, technical textiles, and sustainable innovations.
Citing the sharp rise in the imports of sewing machines over the last decade, the Textiles Minister urged the industry to focus on domestic manufacturing of machines for the sector to build the complete supply chain in the country. Singh also said that India is strong in natural fibres and the country can become a global hub for their supply in the coming years, while expressing concern about the spike in linen imports to 60,000 tonnes from about 21,000 tonnes in FY22.
The third edition of Bharat Tex will be held this year and is expected to see a participation of over 3,500 business exhibitors, over 7,000 international buyers from more than 140 countries and over 1,30,000 trade visitors. The event will showcase the entire textile ecosystem, including fibres and yarns, fabrics, apparel and fashion, home textiles, technical textiles, handicrafts, handlooms, and intelligent manufacturing technologies.
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