The year 2025 marked a defining phase for India’s textile sector, with the Ministry of Textiles accelerating reforms, infrastructure development and export promotion to strengthen India’s global competitiveness while ensuring inclusive growth across the value chain—from farmers and artisans to large manufacturers.
PM MITRA Parks Gain Momentum
Significant progress was recorded under the PM Mega Integrated Textile Region and Apparel (PM MITRA) scheme, with seven parks approved across Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Gujarat, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra. Infrastructure works worth over ₹2,590 crore were initiated by state governments, while environment clearances were secured for all sites.
Investment MoUs with an expected potential exceeding ₹27,400 crore were signed, and 100 per cent land acquisition was completed. The Prime Minister laid the foundation stone of the PM MITRA Park at Dhar, Madhya Pradesh, in September, while DPRs worth over ₹7,000 crore were approved for four parks, marking a major step towards world-class textile manufacturing hubs.
PLI Scheme Delivers Tangible Outcomes
The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for textiles began delivering measurable results in 2025. Of the 74 selected applicants, 40 companies reported investments, 30 commenced production, and provisional incentives were disbursed to eligible firms. The scheme is expected to generate investments of nearly ₹28,700 crore, with technical textiles accounting for over half of participating companies.
Exports Rise to USD 37.8 Billion
India’s textile and apparel exports registered growth in 2025, reaching USD 37.8 billion and reinforcing the country’s position as the world’s sixth-largest exporter. Traditional markets such as the US, EU and UK remained dominant, while emerging destinations contributed a growing share.
The ministry reiterated its Vision 2030 target of USD 100 billion in textile exports, driven by market diversification, sustainability and innovation across more than 500 exporting districts nationwide.
Technical Textiles and Skilling Push
Under the National Technical Textiles Mission, 168 R&D projects were approved, alongside support for startups, educational institutions and quality control orders covering key products. The mission continued to strengthen India’s capabilities in specialty fibres and strategic applications.
The SAMARTH scheme further expanded the skilled workforce, with over 5.4 lakh persons trained so far—88 per cent of them women—and a placement rate of 75 per cent, reinforcing the sector’s role in inclusive employment generation.
Cotton, Silk, Wool and Jute Sector Reforms
Major reforms were undertaken in the cotton sector, including MSP procurement of 100 lakh bales, digitisation through the Kapas Kisan app, and the launch of the Kasturi Cotton Bharat programme to enhance traceability and branding. A five-year Cotton Productivity Mission was announced to boost yields and sustainability.
The silk sector recorded strong growth, with raw silk production rising by over 55 per cent since 2013–14 and bivoltine silk output nearly quadrupling. India retained its position as the world’s second-largest silk producer.
The wool and jute sectors also saw targeted interventions, including GI registration for Ladakh Pashmina, R&D projects for coarse wool, mandatory jute packaging norms, MSP procurement and technology-driven monitoring systems.
Handloom, Handicrafts and Institutional Strengthening
Support for handloom and handicraft artisans was enhanced through marketing events, GI registrations, raw material supply, welfare schemes and digital platforms such as E-Pehchan and IndiaHandmade.com. Women-led entrepreneurship received special focus through initiatives like Shilpi Didi.
The National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) expanded its footprint with a new campus in Varanasi, international collaborations and academic innovations, strengthening India’s fashion education ecosystem.
GST, QCO and Regulatory Reforms
Next-generation GST rationalisation reduced tax rates across fibres, garments, carpets and handicrafts, correcting inverted duty structures and easing working capital pressures. Quality Control Order reforms, export obligation relaxations and decriminalisation of select provisions under textile laws further improved ease of doing business.
Bharat Tex 2025 Showcases Global Ambition
Bharat Tex 2025 emerged as India’s largest global textile event, drawing over 1.2 lakh trade visitors from more than 120 countries and showcasing the full spectrum of India’s textile capabilities. The event reinforced India’s “Farm to Fibre, Fabric, Fashion and Foreign Markets” vision and underscored its ambition to triple textile exports by 2030.
