NEW DELHI: India’s premier textile industry event, Bharat Tex 2025 kicked off on Friday at the Bharat Mandapam. Organized by a consortium of 11 major textile industry bodies and supported by the Ministry of Textiles, the event will span four days, concluding on February 17.
Union Minister of Textiles Giriraj Singh inaugurated the event, highlighting India’s rich textile heritage and its evolving role in the global market. He emphasized the event’s significance in showcasing India’s capabilities in innovation and sustainability and as a leading investment destination.
The event saw participation from over 5,000 exhibitors, including international participants from nearly 110 countries. The event is expected to attract over 1,20,000 visitors, encompassing policymakers, CEOs, industry leaders, and buyers.
The exhibition is structured into dedicated pavilions, each highlighting a key sector of the textile industry. The Textile Raw Materials section features exhibitors specializing in natural fibres like cotton, wool, and silk, along with synthetic and man-made fibres. The Fabrics pavilion showcases a diverse range of woven, knitted, and non-woven textiles catering to various applications.
PM Narendra Modi is set to address both domestic and international buyers on Sunday. His speech is expected to provide insights into the government’s vision for the sector and its role in the economic landscape.
Source: New Indian Express
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi addressed the Bharat Tex 2025 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi today. He also took a walkthrough of the exhibition showcased on the occasion. Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister welcomed everyone to Bharat Tex 2025 and remarked that today Bharat Mandapam was witnessing the 2nd edition of Bharat Tex. He added that the event gave a glimpse of our heritage as well as the prospects of Viksit Bharat, which was a matter of pride for India. “Bharat Tex is now becoming a mega global textile event”, remarked Shri Modi. He added that all the twelve communities related to the spectrum of the value chain were part of the event this time. He further noted that there were exhibitions of accessories, garments, machineries, chemicals and dyes as well. The Prime Minister highlighted that Bharat Tex was becoming a strong platform for engagement, collaboration and partnership for the policymakers, CEOs and industry leaders from across the world. He lauded the efforts of all the stakeholders involved in the organization of the event.
“More than 120 countries are participating in the Bharat Tex today”, said Shri Modi. He added that this meant that every exhibitor had the exposure to more than 120 countries, giving them the opportunity to expand their business from local to global. He added that those entrepreneurs in search of new markets were getting a good exposure of the cultural needs of various global markets. Recalling his visit to the exhibition at the event, the Prime Minister remarked that he visited many stalls and interacted with entrepreneurs. He also highlighted that many participants shared their experiences of joining Bharat Tex last year. They reported gaining new buyers on a large scale and expanding their business. The Prime Minister remarked that this event is significantly boosting investments, exports, and overall growth in the textile sector. Shri Modi urged the banking sector to cater to the needs of the entrepreneurs from the textile sector to help expand their business thereby creating employment and opportunities.
“Bharat Tex showcases the cultural diversity of India through our traditional garments”, remarked the Prime Minister. He added that from east to west, north to south, India has a vast range of traditional attire. He highlighted various types of garments, such as Lucknowi chikankari, bandhani from Rajasthan and Gujarat, patola from Gujarat, Banarasi silk from Varanasi, Kanjivaram silk from the south, and pashmina from Jammu and Kashmir. The Prime Minister emphasized that this is the right time for such events to promote the diversity and uniqueness of our textile industry, fostering its growth.
Highlighting that last year he discussed five factors for the textile industry: farm, fiber, fabric, fashion, and foreign, Shri Modi remarked that this vision is becoming a mission for India, opening new growth avenues for farmers, weavers, designers, and traders. “India saw a 7% increase in textile and apparel exports last year, and now ranks as the sixth-largest exporter of textiles and apparels in the world”, he pointed out. He noted that India’s textile exports have reached ₹3 lakh crore, with a target to increase this to ₹9 lakh crore by 2030.
Emphasizing that the success in the textile sector is the result of a decade of consistent efforts and policies, the Prime Minister highlighted that foreign investment in the textile sector has doubled over the last decade. “Textile industry is one of the largest providers of employment opportunities in the country, contributing 11% to India's manufacturing sector”, he added. He also pointed out the Mission Manufacturing announced in this budget. He remarked that the investments and growth in this sector are benefiting crores of textile workers.
Shri Modi underlined that addressing the challenges and realizing the potential of India's textile sector is their commitment. He highlighted that the efforts and policies over the last decade are reflected in this year's budget. He added that to ensure a reliable cotton supply and make Indian cotton globally competitive and to strengthen the value chain, the Mission for Cotton Productivity was announced. The Prime Minister said there was focus on sunrise sectors like technical textiles and promoting indigenous carbon fiber and its products. He remarked that India is progressing towards manufacturing high-grade carbon fiber. Furthermore, the Prime Minister mentioned that the necessary policy decisions for the textile sector are being taken. He highlighted the expansion of MSMEs' classification criteria and increased credit availability in this year's budget. He also stressed that the textile sector, with 80% contribution from MSMEs, will greatly benefit from these measures.
“Any sector excels when it has a skilled workforce and skill plays a crucial role in the textile industry”, exclaimed Shri Modi. Adding that efforts were being made to create a skilled talent pool, he highlighted the role of National Centres of Excellence for skilling and mentioned that the Samarth scheme is aiding in developing the necessary skills for the value chain. The Prime Minister stressed the importance of maintaining the authenticity of handloom craftsmanship in the age of technology. He highlighted the efforts to enhance the skills and opportunities for handloom artisans, ensuring their products reach global markets. “Over the past 10 years, more than 2400 large marketing events have been organized to promote handlooms”, he added. He also mentioned the creation of the India-hand-made e-commerce platform to boost online marketing of handloom products, which has seen thousands of handloom brands register. The Prime Minister pointed out the significant benefits of GI tagging for handloom products.
Highlighting that during the Bharat Tex event last year, the Textiles Startup Grand Challenge was launched, inviting innovative sustainable solutions from the youth for the textile sector, the Prime Minister noted that young participants from across the country actively took part in this challenge, and the winners have been invited to this event. He remarked that startups willing to support these young innovators have also been invited. He acknowledged the support of IIT Madras, Atal Innovation Mission, and several major private textile organizations for the pitch fest, which will promote the startup culture in the country. Shri Modi encouraged the youth to bring forward new techno-textile startups and work on new ideas. He suggested that the textile industry could collaborate with institutions like IITs to develop new tools. He observed that the new generation is increasingly appreciating traditional attire alongside modern fashion trends. Therefore, he emphasized the importance of fusing tradition with innovation and launching products inspired by traditional garments to attract the new generation globally. The Prime Minister also addressed the growing role of technology in discovering new trends and creating new styles, with AI playing a significant part. He mentioned that while traditional khadi is being promoted, fashion trends are also being analyzed using AI. He recounted the organization of a fashion show of Khadi Products in Porbandar, Gujarat when he was the Chief Minister of Gujarat. Shri Modi urged the importance of promoting Khadi, remarking that it was ‘Khadi for nation’ during our freedom struggle, but now it should be ‘Khadi for fashion’.
Sharing that his recent visit to Paris, known as the fashion capital of the world, where significant partnerships were formed between the two countries on various issues, Shri Modi highlighted that discussions included topics on environment and climate change, emphasizing the global understanding of the importance of a sustainable lifestyle, which also impacts the fashion world. The Prime Minister remarked, “the world is adopting the vision of Fashion for Environment and Empowerment, and India can lead the way in this regard”. He pointed out that sustainability has always been an integral part of Indian textiles tradition, citing examples like khadi, tribal textiles, and the use of natural dyes. He underlined that India's traditional sustainable techniques are now being enhanced with cutting-edge technologies, benefiting artisans, weavers, and millions of women associated with the industry.
The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of maximizing resource utilization and minimizing waste generation in the textile industry. He highlighted the issue of "fast fashion waste," where millions of garments are discarded monthly due to changing trends, posing significant environmental and ecological threats. He noted that by 2030, fashion waste could reach 148 million tons, with less than a quarter of textile waste being recycled today. Shri Modi remarked that India's textile industry can turn this concern into an opportunity, leveraging the country's diverse traditional skills in textile recycling and up-cycling. He pointed out examples such as the creation of mats, rugs, and coverings from old or leftover fabrics, and fine quilts made from even torn clothes in Maharashtra. He emphasized that innovation in these traditional arts can lead to global market opportunities. He announced that the Textile Ministry has signed an MoU with the Standing Conference of Public Enterprises and e-Marketplace to promote up-cycling, with many up-cyclers already registered. Pilot projects for door-to-door collection of textile waste are being conducted in cities like Navi Mumbai and Bangalore. The Prime Minister encouraged startups to join these efforts, explore opportunities, and take early steps to lead in the global market. He projected that India's textile recycling market could reach $400 million in the next few years, while the global recycled textile market is estimated to reach $7.5 billion. He remarked that with the right direction, India could achieve a larger share in this market.
Shri Modi remarked that centuries ago, when India was at the pinnacle of prosperity, the textile industry played a significant role in that prosperity. He emphasized that as India progresses towards the goal of becoming Viksit Bharat, the textile sector will once again play a major role. The Prime Minister highlighted that events like Bharat Tex are strengthening India's position in this sector. He concluded his address by expressing confidence that this event will continue to set new records of success and reach new heights each year.
Union Minister for Textiles, Shri Giriraj Singh and the Minister of state for Textiles, Shri Pabitra Margherita were present on the occasion among other dignitaries.
Background
Bharat Tex 2025, a mega global event, being held from February 14-17 at Bharat Mandapam, is unique because it brings together the entire textile value chain from raw materials to finished products including accessories under one single roof.
Bharat Tex platform is the textile industry’s largest and most comprehensive event comprising a mega expo spread across two venues and showcasing the entire textile ecosystem. It also features a Global scale conference featuring over 70 conference sessions, Roundtables, Panel Discussions, and master classes. It includes exhibitions that shall feature Special Innovation and Start up Pavilions. It also includes hackathons based Startup Pitch Fest and innovation fests, Tech tanks and design challenges providing funding opportunities for startups through leading investors.
Bharat Tex 2025 is expected to attract policymakers and global CEOs, over 5000 Exhibitors, 6000 international buyers from over 120 countries among various other visitors. Over 25 Leading Global textile bodies and associations from across the world including International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF), International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC), EURATEX, Textile Exchange, US Fashion Industry Association (USFIA) among others will also participate.
Source: PIB
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said he is optimistic that the textile sector will achieve the Rs 9 lakh crore annual exports target ahead of the 2030 deadline. This assumes significance in view of the General Budget 2025 announcement of a five-year Cotton Mission to increase cotton productivity, especially of extra-long staple varieties. Bharat Tex 2025: India’s 5F vision” Farm to Fibre, Fabric, Fashion, Foreign Markets” for global textile firms KITEX Garments likely to commence production at Warangal unit from December Odisha could become next global hub for synthetic fibre-based textile industry: Oerlikon director Debabrata Ghosh It allocated Rs 500 crore for the National Cotton Technology Mission. Speaking at the Bharat Tex 2025, Modi said, “We are currently ranked as the 6th largest exporter of textiles and apparel in the world, with textile exports valued at approximately Rs 3 lakh crore. Our goal moving forward is to triple this figure and achieve exports worth Rs 9 lakh crore. “This success is attributed to the hard work and consistent policies implemented over the past decade, which have led to a doubling of foreign investment in the textile sector during this period. He said, “The way work is being done, I think we will achieve this target ahead of the 2030 deadline.” This success is attributed to the hard work and consistent policies implemented over the past decade, which have led to a doubling of foreign investment in the textile sector during this period, Modi said. The sector is a major employment generator and contributes 11 per cent to the manufacturing sector. The Union Budget provided for an outlay of Rs 5,272 crore (in Budget Estimates) for the Ministry of Textiles for 2025-26. This is an increase of 19% per cent over Budget Estimates of Rs 4,417.03 crore for the 2024-25 fiscal year. Bharat Tex, being held in New Delhi from February 14-17, is the textile industry’s largest event comprising a mega expo spread across two venues and showcasing the entire textile ecosystem. The Bharat Tex is becoming a big global event, with more than 120 nations participating in it, Modi said. India is moving ahead in the direction of manufacturing high-grade carbon fibre, he said. The PM also urged the banking sector to provide assistance to the textile sector as one unit needs investment of just Rs 75 crore and gives employment to 2,000 people.
Source: Telangana Today
The projects, to be run in partnership with government agencies and private sector partners, have been designed to help preserve Indian cultural heritage in textiles and promote economic self-sufficiency through enhanced innovation, competitiveness, and market linkages. The European Union (EU) and the Ministry of Textiles jointly have launched seven new projects to boost India’s textile and handicraft sector. The projects were launched on side-lines of ongoing Bharat Tex on Saturday. These initiatives across the entire value chain aim to foster inclusive growth, resource efficiency, and sustainability in the Indian textile sector, along with driving livelihoods and women’s economic empowerment, stated EU delegation to India in the press release. THESE 9 States To Benefit
These seven projects, spanning the entire value chain, will be implemented across nine states across India – Assam, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, Jharkhand, Bihar, and Haryana, with 35,000 direct beneficiaries, including 15,000 MSMEs, 5,000 artisans, 15,000 farmer-producers, over the next 3 to 5 years. According to the press release, as many of these projects will also support local communities and industries, they are expected to economically empower around 200,000 women, contributing to a more sustainable, inclusive, and thriving textile ecosystem.
“This project builds on the EU’s ongoing collaboration with India on sustainability and circular economy, aligning with the Ministry of Textiles’ “Sustainable Bharat Mission for Textiles.” The funding, part of the EU’s Global Gateway Strategy, complements the ongoing EU-India Resource Efficiency Circular Economy initiative, co-funded by the German Federal Ministry (BMUV), and is executed jointly with the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, Government of India, and being implemented by GIZ,” Delegation of the EU to India announced in a press release. The projects, to be run in partnership with government agencies and private sector partners, have been designed to help preserve Indian cultural heritage in textiles and promote economic self-sufficiency through enhanced innovation, competitiveness, and market linkages.
Source: News Online
Synopsis India and Qatar will discuss boosting bilateral trade and investments, with Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and his Qatari counterpart Sheikh Faisal bin Thani bin Faisal Al Thani leading the talks at a Joint Business Forum on February 18. The discussions aim to explore joint ventures, FDI, and technology partnerships. India and Qatar on Tuesday will discuss ways to further promote bilateral trade and investments. The issues will be discussed between Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and his Qatari counterpart Sheikh Faisal bin Thani bin Faisal Al Thani, an official statement said on Monday. Both will attend the Joint Business Forum meet here on February 18, the commerce and industry ministry said. It is being organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in collaboration with the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). The forum will act as an platform where top business leaders, policymakers, and industry stakeholders will convene to explore investment opportunities, technological collaboration, and economic partnerships, it said. The high-level Qatari delegation includes leading enterprises from energy, infrastructure, finance, technology, food security, logistics, advanced manufacturing, and innovation. "These discussions will enable Indian and Qatari businesses to explore joint ventures, foreign direct investment (FDI), technology partnerships, and policy driven collaborations," it added. India received USD 1.5 billion of FDI during April 2000 and September 2024. The bilateral trade has dipped to USD 14 billion in 2023-24 from USD 18.77 billion in 2022-23.
Source: Economic Times
Synopsis Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman highlighted India's efforts to minimize duties and promote self-reliance during the International Customs Day Celebration. She emphasized the importance of reducing trade barriers and fostering domestic production, aiming to strengthen India's economic independence and leadership in global trade. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman emphasised India's ongoing efforts to reduce duties and enhance self-reliance during her address at the International Customs Day Celebration 2025, held at the Nhava Sheva Port in Mumbai, Maharashtra on Monday. Sitharaman said that in the current context, ensuring "atmanirbharta" (selfreliance) has been crucial for the country’s economic growth. “In today’s context, to ensure atmanirbharta, duties can be brought down to The Finance Minister went on to highlight the steps taken in the current budget to further this goal, noting, “During this budget, because of two years of working, we have progressively cut down on duties.” This reduction, she explained, is part of a strategic effort to strengthen India's economic independence and position the country as a global leader in trade. Sitharaman also addressed the role of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), calling on the organisation to set an example in global customs. “CBIC should lead the way to show the world Customs Organization (WCO) that we are on the top both in terms of performance and in the ways which are futuristic to make sure the global customs world can learn from us,” said the FM.
Source: Economic Times
Synopsis President Donald Trump’s broader definition of reciprocal tariffs may impact most Asian economies, as per Nomura analysts. The new measures consider total tariffs and nontariff barriers like tax, regulatory, and currency policies, potentially affecting both emerging markets like China, India, and Indonesia, and developed economies such as Japan and South Korea. President Donald Trump’s broader definition of reciprocal tariffs unveiled last week likely exposes most Asian economies to US levies, according to economists at Nomura Holdings Inc.
Trump’s announcement of new levies based on total tariffs, as well as tax, regulatory and currency policies, is hard to quantify, the analysts said. This “black box” of non-tariff barriers leaves room for him to widen the net of countries targeted in Asia. Non-tariff barriers are highest in China, India, Indonesia, the Philippines and Thailand, the analysts added. Developed markets including Japan and South Korea, which has a free-trade agreement with the US, are also at risk since they have other barriers including regulations and testing standards. “Broadening the criterion for imposing the reciprocal tax not only makes the process more complex and less transparent, it also increases the likelihood of the reciprocal tax being imposed across a broader swath of emerging and developed Asian economies” Nomura analysts led by Sonal Varma wrote in a note dated Friday. This will require many of the countries to negotiate a bilateral deal with the US. India, for example, is under pressure to buy more American goods — such as energy and weapons — after Trump announced the new reciprocal tariffs just hours before meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Source: Economic Times
Low-value imports sent via express delivery services will not qualify for a value-added tax (VAT) exemption in Vietnam beginning February 18, the general department of customs (GDC) recently announced.
The new decision officially revokes an order dated November 30, 2010, that established the value threshold for VAT-exempt imported goods sent via express delivery services. The decision aligns the country’s tax policies with international practices, ensures consistency within the current tax regulatory system and follows the state’s policy direction of expanding the tax base, GDC said. It is also expected to create fair competition between local and imported goods, promoting local production, a domestic media outlet reported. If low-value goods worth less than VNÐ1 million ($39.4) are subject to a 10-per cent VAT, the state budget revenue may rise by an estimated VNÐ2.7 trillion.
Customs agencies have been asked to collect VAT on low-value imports. Until the customs system is fully upgraded, officers will face an increased workload in manually processing declarations and verifying tax payments, making the management and tracking of tax data more challenging.
Source: Fibre2fashion
