Will India’s Textile Exports Reach Double by 2030? Insights from the India-UK Trade Pact

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- India targets to double textile exports by 2030.
- The India-UK CETA is key to facilitating trade.
- India is the fourth largest textile exporter to the UK.
- Focus on sustainability and traceability in supply chains.
- Meetings with UK buyers emphasized GI-tagged products.
New Delhi, Sep 23 (NationPress) The government announced that India aims to double its textile exports by 2030, fueled by sustainability efforts and enhanced market accessibility through agreements like the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA).
A prominent delegation led by Neelam Shami Rao, Secretary of the Ministry of Textiles, visited London to highlight India's prowess across the textile value chain and strengthen trade partnerships with the UK.
This delegation featured representatives from major Export Promotion Councils (EPCs) as well as prominent exporters.
On the first day, a variety of events took place, including a Textile Roadshow and meetings with buyers and sourcing agents in the handicraft, handloom, and carpet industries, as reported by the Ministry of Textiles.
India ranks as the fourth largest textile exporter to the UK, with exports valued at $2.16 billion in 2024–25, making up 6.6 percent of the UK’s total imports.
During the visit, the Textiles Secretary highlighted India's capacity to cater to the UK market through a unique blend of heritage craftsmanship, modern production capabilities, sustainability, and traceability efforts.
She stressed India’s commitment to establishing resilient and transparent supply chains that meet global consumer demands.
Vikram K. Doraiswami, the Indian High Commissioner to the UK, reaffirmed the historic ties between India and the UK, emphasizing the need to enhance bilateral relations in the textile sector.
He pointed out that the recently established India–UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) creates a mutually beneficial opportunity for both nations, facilitating increased trade, investment, and collaboration in textiles.
Meetings between the Indian delegation and UK buyers in the handicrafts, handloom, and carpet sectors concentrated on GI-tagged Indian products, sustainability practices, and direct connections between buyers and producers.
The UK buyers expressed enthusiasm for this initiative and reiterated their commitment to increasing procurement from India.
According to the ministry, this visit is poised to improve market access, encourage joint investments, and enhance the brand presence of Indian textiles in the UK.