How has the Indian textiles sector surged to Rs 16 lakh crore?
Synopsis
The Indian textiles sector has nearly doubled in value within a decade, reaching Rs 16 lakh crore, as exports rise by over 25% post-pandemic. Discover how government initiatives are transforming this vital industry.
Key Takeaways
The Indian textiles sector has nearly doubled in value over the last decade.
Exports have increased by over 25% following the pandemic.
Government initiatives are aimed at removing barriers for the industry.
India is focusing on developing its own standards through initiatives like VisionNxt.
There is robust growth in exports to countries like Argentina, Egypt, and Japan.
New Delhi, Jan 24 (NationPress) The textiles industry in India has experienced remarkable expansion over the past decade — growing from Rs 8.4 lakh crore in 2014 to approximately Rs 16 lakh crore today, establishing itself as one of the largest employment generators, as per government reports.
Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh highlighted that the domestic market has also risen from Rs 6 lakh crore to Rs 13 lakh crore by 2025, with the nation’s exports seeing an increase of over 25 percent in the post-pandemic era.
While addressing the 74th Edition of the India International Garment Fair (IIGF) here, the minister noted that the IIGF is a reliable platform, stating, “The India International Garment Fair has now evolved into a significant global hub for international garment buyers.”
He further remarked that the Narendra Modi administration has eliminated numerous obstacles in the textiles sector, including QCO, enhancing RoDTEP and RoSCTL schemes, reducing import duties for six months, and correcting the inverted duty structure.
“We have invested Rs 50,000 crore in support of the industry through RoDTEP and RoSCTL schemes,” he added.
Singh emphasized that challenges have made the industry resilient and stable amid various headwinds.
“Our export diversification initiative targeting 40 new countries is yielding positive outcomes,” he stated.
The minister further disclosed that in Argentina, growth has surged by 77 percent, by 30 percent in Egypt, and 20 percent in both Poland and Japan, along with 10 percent in Sweden and France, which is a promising indicator.
Encouragingly, he mentioned that the India-EU free trade agreement is set to be signed in the coming days.
“With a young workforce, abundant raw materials, and a foreign exchange surplus, we must ensure that we meet all targets,” the minister concluded.
India is shifting away from dependence on foreign standards and is formulating its own through indigenous initiatives like VisionNxt and IndiaSize.
Dr. A Sakthivel, Chairman of AEPC, noted that the participation of exhibitors from across the nation underscores the vastness of the manufacturing ecosystem, while the enthusiastic engagement of international buyers affirms confidence in India’s capabilities.
“I am pleased to report that cumulative RMG exports from April to December 2025-26 reached $11,584.3 million, showing a growth of 2.4 percent compared to the same period last year,” he added.
Point of View
It's evident that the Indian textiles sector is not just a significant economic contributor but also a vital employment generator. The government's proactive measures are fostering resilience in this industry, making it a crucial player on the global stage. The emphasis on indigenous standards is indeed a step towards greater self-reliance and innovation.
NationPress
20 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current value of the Indian textiles sector?
The Indian textiles sector is currently valued at approximately Rs 16 lakh crore.
How much have textiles exports increased?
Textiles exports have risen by over 25% post-pandemic.
What initiatives has the government taken to support the textiles industry?
The government has introduced several initiatives, including the RoDTEP and RoSCTL schemes and removed barriers like QCO.
What is the target for export diversification?
The target is to diversify exports to 40 new countries.
When is the India-EU free trade agreement expected to be signed?
The India-EU free trade agreement is anticipated to be signed in the coming days.
