Textile sector is witnessing unprecedented growth and transformation under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi: Giriraj Singh

Union Minister of Textiles, Shri Giriraj Singh, highlighting the achievements of the Ministry of Textiles over the last 12 years, said that under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Indian textile and apparel sector has undergone a remarkable transformation, emerging as a globally competitive, innovation-driven and employment-intensive industry. Addressing the media, the minister said that guided by the Prime Minister’s 5Fs vision…From farm to fiber, from fiber to factory, from factory to fashion and from fashion to abroad—the sector has evolved into a strong and integrated value chain linking farmers, manufacturers, weavers, artisans and exporters.

The minister said the Indian textile industry has grown to nearly $190 billion in 2025-26 and is poised to achieve the target of $350 billion by 2030. The domestic textile market has grown from around ₹6 lakh crore in 2014-15 to over ₹16 lakh crore, reflecting the strong expansion of the sector and its contribution growth in the national economy. He further noted that the textile and clothing sector currently provides direct employment to over 5.3 million people and is expected to generate almost 2 million additional jobs over the next three years.

Shri Giriraj Singh highlighted that the government has implemented a series of historic reforms and flagship initiatives to strengthen the entire textile ecosystem. These include PM MITRA Parks, Production Linked Incentive Scheme (PLI), National Textiles Technical Mission (NTTM), Textiles Export Promotion Mission (TEEM), National Fiber Mission and Raw Materials Support Scheme (RMSS), which boost investments, technological advancement, sustainability and export competitiveness. To support cotton farmers and ensure adequate availability of raw materials for the industry, the government launched the Cotton Productivity Mission and removed import duties on cotton. Export competitiveness has been enhanced through programs such as RoSCTL and RoDTEP, while India’s network of free trade agreements has grown from 10 FTAs ​​covering 19 countries in 2014 to 18 FTAs ​​covering 56 countries, creating new export and investment opportunities.

Despite global trade challenges, India has diversified its export destinations and recorded export growth in 135 countries. The minister further noted that India has emerged as a major force in the technical textiles sector, with the market growing from around $6 billion to $25 billion under the National Technical Textiles Mission. Large-scale investments in research, innovation, incubation and industry-academia collaboration are helping to build a future-ready textile ecosystem. Significant progress has also been made in textile infrastructure through the development of integrated textile parks and seven PM MITRA parks in key states, which are expected to attract investments worth ₹70,000 crore and generate around 21 lakh employment opportunities. The powerloom sector has benefited from technology upgradation initiatives, while NIFT has expanded its academic footprint and introduced innovative projects such as VisioNxt and INDIASize to strengthen the Indian fashion and design ecosystem.

The minister said the achievements of the last 12 years reflect the government’s commitment to transform India from a low-cost producer into a design-led, innovation-driven, sustainable and export-oriented global textile hub.

Minister of State (Textiles), Shri Pabitra Margherita, speaking on the achievements of the textile sector over the last 12 years, said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India’s handloom and handicraft sectors have witnessed unprecedented growth, empowerment and market integration. He noted that nearly ₹2,000 crore has been invested under the National Handloom Development Program, benefitting thousands of weavers through improved handlooms, skill development, infrastructure support and better market access. The minister highlighted that initiatives like Government e-Marketplace (GeM), India Handmade portal, GI tagging, mega handloom clusters and MUDRA scheme of weavers have strengthened livelihoods and reduced dependence on middlemen. He further said that the handicraft sector has received significant support through cluster development, skill enhancement, artisans identity cards and marketing initiatives, helping artisans improve their productivity and income.

Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, Neelam Shami Rao said that the textile sector plays a crucial role in empowering women as major workforce and emerging entrepreneurs. The Secretary expressed confidence that with continued policy support, infrastructure development, investment promotion, skill enhancement and technological innovation, the country is well positioned to become one of the world’s leading textile powerhouses and contribute significantly to the goal of Viksit Bharat.