India need to move towards higher scale to achieve USD 350 Billion textile economy: Giriraj Singh

Union Minister of Textiles Giriraj Singh, on Wednesday, emphasized the need for India’s textile sector to scale up its global presence, saying India must move towards higher scale, higher value manufacturing and year-round garment production to achieve the government’s vision of expanding the textile economy to USD 350 billion and exports to USD 100 billion by 2030-31.

Speaking at an interaction organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) with senior officials from the Ministry of Textiles and leaders from across the textile value chain, the minister highlighted India’s long-term ambition for the sector.

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He said the textile exports must reach USD 100 billion, while India’s share in the global textile trade should increase from the present 4.7% to 14.7%.

He further stressed the need to transform India’s garment manufacturing ecosystem.

“Currently, much of India’s production is oriented towards summer garments, catering to roughly eight months of global demand. Going forward, the industry must expand capabilities to produce garments suitable for all twelve months, enabling India to serve a wider range of international markets and enhance its competitiveness,” the minister said.

Singh also highlighted that the future of textiles will increasingly be driven by sustainability and innovation, and noted that India must also diversify into technical textiles, value-added garments and innovative textile products, where the country has strong potential to become a global leader.

Referring to initiatives aimed at strengthening the sector’s global integration, the Minister highlighted Bharat Tex, scheduled from 14–17 July, which will serve as a global platform connecting Indian manufacturers with international buyers and investors.

Neelam Shami Rao, Secretary, Ministry of Textiles highlighted the need to strengthen raw material availability, manufacturing expansion, infrastructure development and market diversification.

“India’s fibre production, currently around 15 million metric tonnes, would need to increase to nearly 23 million metric tonnes to support future growth, supported by initiatives such as the National Fibre Mission,” Rao said.

The consultation provided an important platform for industry leaders to share inputs that will help shape upcoming policy initiatives aimed at accelerating the growth of India’s textile sector and strengthening its global competitiveness.