FDCI chairman Sunil Sethi credits PM Modi for taking Indian fabrics global
Synopsis
FDCI chairman Sunil Sethi says PM Modi's practice of gifting Indian craft and textiles to foreign dignitaries has become a quiet but powerful engine of global recognition — and with Khadi now on runways from Moscow to Auckland and New Zealand's PM writing in to praise it, Indian fashion's soft-power moment may be arriving faster than the industry expected.
Key Takeaways
FDCI Chairman Sunil Sethi praised PM Narendra Modi at the 'Bespoken' book launch in New Delhi on 22 August for using Indian craft and textiles as diplomatic gifts.
New Zealand PM Christopher Luxon wrote a letter to Sethi appreciating the impact of Khadi after two Indian fashion shows in the country.
Khadi has been showcased at the Moscow Fashion Week and adopted by designers in France and Bhutan .
A recent Indian fashion show in Auckland, New Zealand featuring four designers was reportedly sold out.
The book 'Bespoken' is based on the life of Andrew Ramroop , Indian-origin owner of Maurice Sedwell and founder of the Savile Row Bespoke Academy in London.
Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) Chairman Sunil Sethi on Saturday, 22 August praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for elevating Indian craft and textiles to international prominence, citing the PM's consistent use of indigenous fabrics as diplomatic gifts as a key driver of global appreciation.
Sethi's Praise for Modi's Textile Diplomacy
Speaking at the launch of the book 'Bespoken' in New Delhi, Sethi said: 'A lot of Prime Minister Modi's gifts to any dignitaries are based on Indian craft and textiles. But it's not only about what he's doing; it is also about what it is. It is a thing of beauty because of which everybody in the world is appreciating Indian craft. I'm so happy that he's doing it.'
Sethi himself arrived at the event dressed in an Odisha Ikat coat stitched by an Indian fashion designer, with both his tie and shirt also crafted by Indian designers — a personal statement, he said, of pride in domestic craftsmanship.
Khadi Goes Global: From Bhutan to Moscow to New Zealand
The FDCI chairman highlighted the growing international footprint of Khadi, the handspun fabric historically associated with Mahatma Gandhi's Swadeshi movement. 'It is not just the traditional weave, it is also the freedom fabric Khadi,' Sethi said.
He noted that King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Queen Jetsun Pema of Bhutan had appreciated Khadi during outreach efforts there. The fabric has also been showcased at the Moscow Fashion Week, and designers in France have incorporated it into their collections.
Notably, New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon recently wrote a letter to Sethi commending the impact of Khadi following two fashion shows held in the country. 'Recently, four of the designers did a wonderful show in New Zealand's Auckland which was houseful,' Sethi said, adding that India is 'no longer considered just an also-ran' in global fashion.
Spotlight on Andrew Ramroop and the 'Bespoken' Book
The event centred on the book 'Bespoken', based on the life and work of Andrew Ramroop — owner and founder of Savile Row Bespoke Academy and proprietor of Maurice Sedwell in London. Ramroop, who is of Indian origin, was described by Sethi as 'the god of Bespoke tailoring and Savile Row.'
Sethi noted that Ramroop 'choked a bit while remembering his past during the address' — a moment that underscored the emotional resonance of his journey. On a lighter note, Sethi quipped: 'I couldn't compete with him in his dressing sense because I couldn't compete with him in his tailoring.'
What This Signals for Indian Fashion
Sethi's remarks reflect a broader momentum in Indian fashion diplomacy — where state gifting, international runway presence, and cultural soft power are converging to reframe India's identity in global design circles. With Khadi now featured at fashion weeks across continents, the question is whether institutional support can match the grassroots craft revival already underway.
Point of View
And India's version has clearly landed well internationally. But the harder question is whether the artisans behind Odisha Ikat, Khadi, and other handlooms are seeing commensurate economic returns — or whether the global applause is accruing mostly to the designers and institutions at the top of the chain. The Moscow and Auckland moments are real wins, but sustained global relevance requires supply-chain investment, not just runway appearances.
NationPress
22 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did FDCI chairman Sunil Sethi say about PM Modi and Indian fabrics?
Sunil Sethi praised PM Narendra Modi for gifting Indian craft and textiles to foreign dignitaries, calling it a key reason the world is appreciating Indian craftsmanship. He made the remarks at the 'Bespoken' book launch in New Delhi on 22 August.
What is Khadi and why is it significant in this context?
Khadi is a handspun fabric historically associated with Mahatma Gandhi's Swadeshi movement and Indian independence. FDCI's Sunil Sethi highlighted its growing global presence — from Moscow Fashion Week to shows in New Zealand and France — as evidence of Indian fashion's expanding international footprint.
Who is Andrew Ramroop and what is the book 'Bespoken' about?
Andrew Ramroop is the Indian-origin owner of Maurice Sedwell and founder of the Savile Row Bespoke Academy in London. The book 'Bespoken', launched in New Delhi, is based on his life and work in the world of bespoke tailoring.
Which countries have appreciated Indian Khadi according to Sunil Sethi?
According to Sethi, Khadi has been appreciated in Bhutan by King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Queen Jetsun Pema, featured at Moscow Fashion Week, used by designers in France, and showcased at a sold-out show in Auckland, New Zealand. New Zealand PM Christopher Luxon also wrote to Sethi praising Khadi's impact.
What was Sunil Sethi wearing at the 'Bespoken' book launch?
Sethi wore an Odisha Ikat coat stitched by an Indian fashion designer, along with a tie and shirt also made by Indian designers — a deliberate expression of support for domestic craftsmanship.
