India’s Textile Task Force Sets Sights on Global Expansion

India’s Textile Task Force Sets Sights on Global Expansion

India’s fabrics aren’t just stitched — they’re getting smart.

India has taken a proactive step to strengthen its position in the global textile market by launching a dedicated task force focused on expanding the country’s export capabilities. The newly formed group, meeting for the first time in New Delhi, brought together top officials, industry leaders, and policy experts to chart a strategic path forward. At the heart of this initiative lies the goal to tackle pressing international trade challenges and unlock new growth opportunities for textile businesses across the country.

One of the key themes explored in the session was how Indian textile players could gear up for the EU’s Deforestation-Free Products Regulation (EUDR), a policy shift that demands greater transparency in the sourcing and production of commodities. The task force acknowledged that such global compliance standards may present hurdles for exporters but also offer an opportunity to reposition India as a responsible and reliable supplier in the sustainable textile value chain.

Another topic that featured prominently was how online platforms can act as engines for expanding India’s textile reach. The group underlined the transformative role of e-commerce, not just in increasing overseas sales, but also in creating access for small and medium enterprises that traditionally found it hard to participate in exports. By strengthening logistics and digital infrastructure, the task force aims to integrate rural producers into the global market more efficiently.

By aligning these initiatives with the work of the task force, policymakers hope to formulate a roadmap that addresses both short-term export challenges and long-term competitiveness.

Trade deals were also a crucial part of the conversation. The task force evaluated how upcoming agreements, such as the UK–India Free Trade Agreement, could offer Indian exporters tariff-free access to major markets. Such trade liberalization is expected to drive higher export volumes, particularly in categories like garments and home furnishings, which form the backbone of India’s textile economy.

The move isn’t isolated to the central government alone. Regional organizations are stepping in too. For instance, the Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry recently launched its own task force to bring stakeholders across Surat’s textile sector under one collaborative framework. The goal here is to bridge the gap between policymakers, manufacturers, and global buyers to ensure smoother export operations.

As part of its broader vision, the national textile task force aims to iron out long-standing inefficiencies in customs processes and compliance documentation. It also highlighted the need to ease up Quality Control Orders (QCOs) on basic raw materials like polyester and viscose, which continue to hinder cost competitiveness for many Indian exporters.

Another forward-looking proposal discussed during the session was the creation of a separate ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) committee. This unit would be tasked with aligning India’s textile production with global eco-conscious trends. By branding Indian textiles as ethical and eco-friendly, the country could unlock premium pricing and higher demand from environmentally aware markets.

At the heart of the discussion was a shared belief that collaboration, innovation, and policy alignment can significantly strengthen India’s textile export engine. As global fashion brands become increasingly conscious of where and how their products are made, India is strategically positioning itself as a supplier that blends tradition with sustainability and scale.

By confronting compliance issues, leveraging digital transformation, and building synergy with global trade agreements, the country aims to not just catch up with international competitors—but to lead the next chapter of global textile trade.

Summary

India’s newly formed textile export task force is shaping a modern strategy to push Indian textiles deeper into global markets. With a focus on sustainability, digital trade, policy reforms, and trade agreements, the initiative aims to overcome export bottlenecks and position India as a future-ready textile powerhouse.

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The image added is for representation purposes only