How does the India-UK trade pact benefit the textiles sector?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- India-UK CETA enhances trade relations.
- Focus on sustainable sourcing and technology.
- Improved market access and reduced tariffs for India.
- UK benefits from a secure supply chain.
- Key initiatives like PM MITRA support the textile sector.
New Delhi, Sep 26 (NationPress) The India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) establishes a mutually beneficial framework that provides secure and sustainable sourcing along with technology collaborations for the UK, while offering India improved market access, reduced tariffs, mutual recognition of standards, and increased investor confidence, as stated by the government.
A high-ranking Indian delegation, headed by Neelam Shami Rao, Secretary of the Ministry of Textiles, presented India’s growing prowess in the technical textiles arena during a specialized Technical Textiles Roadshow held in Manchester, UK.
This initiative emphasized India’s strong capabilities and dedication to innovation-driven and sustainable growth.
Rao pointed out that technical textiles represent one of India’s swiftly growing segments, propelled by research and development, cutting-edge manufacturing, and circular economy practices.
She also underscored India’s commitment to sustainability, green manufacturing, and waste minimization under the National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM) initiative, which aims to enhance long-term competitiveness.
Rao further urged UK retailers and industrial stakeholders to collaborate with India’s cost-effective, innovation-oriented ecosystem to create resilient and sustainable supply chains.
The delegation also explored leading innovation centers, including the Manchester Fashion Institute at Manchester Metropolitan University and the Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre, Manchester, to seek partnerships in advanced materials, sustainable technical textiles, and circular fashion models.
This visit is anticipated to unlock greater trade prospects, joint ventures, investments, and technology collaborations between India and the UK.
Key initiatives like the PM MITRA mega textile parks, the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, and the NTTM are developing world-class infrastructure and fostering a favorable business environment.
“With the market access advantages of CETA, India is on track to realize its goal of doubling textile exports by 2030, while fostering a mutually advantageous, sustainable, and future-ready textile trade partnership with the UK,” remarked the Ministry of Textiles.