The Ministry of Textiles has developed a comprehensive market diversification strategy covering 40 countries, aimed at expanding India’s global textile footprint. Minister of State for Textiles Pabitra Margherita informed the Rajya Sabha on Friday that the strategy includes targeted outreach through Export Promotion Councils (EPCs), industry delegations, and Indian Missions abroad to tap high-potential markets.
In his written reply, the minister highlighted that the government has rolled out several schemes and programmes to strengthen the textile value chain. These include the PM MITRA Parks Scheme for world-class industrial infrastructure and the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for MMF apparel, fabrics, and technical textiles to drive large-scale manufacturing and enhance competitiveness. The National Technical Textiles Mission continues to support research, innovation, market development, and skilling.
Other key initiatives include SAMARTH for capacity building, Silk Samagra-2 for sericulture development, the Amended Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme (ATUFS) for modernization, and dedicated schemes for handloom and handicraft development, providing end-to-end support to artisans, weavers, and craft clusters.
Margherita noted that the government is taking multiple steps to boost the competitiveness of the textile industry in domestic and global markets. Bharat Tex, held in 2024 and 2025 with support from EPCs, has emerged as a major global textile event, strengthening international engagement and showcasing India’s scale and innovation. The government continues to implement the Rebate of State and Central Taxes and Levies (RoSCTL) scheme for apparel and made-ups, benefitting over 15,000 exporters in FY 2024–25. Products not covered under RoSCTL receive support through the RoDTEP scheme.
India has signed 15 Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), including the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), aimed at reducing tariff and non-tariff barriers and improving exporters’ competitiveness. The recently approved Export Promotion Mission (EPM) will further streamline efforts through coordinated action involving the Department of Commerce, Ministry of MSME, Ministry of Finance, state governments, industry bodies, and financial institutions.
To support the industry, the government has exempted import duty on cotton until December 31, 2025, easing input costs and improving export competitiveness. GST rationalization across the textile value chain has also helped remove anomalies, reduce costs, and sustain demand and employment.
In a separate reply, the minister reported that India’s textiles and apparel exports, including handicrafts, stood at USD 37.76 billion in 2024–25, reflecting a growth of 5.2 percent over the previous year. Exports during April–October 2025 were recorded at USD 20.40 billion, showing a mild decline of 1.8 percent compared to the same period last year. Despite global tariff-related and external challenges, the minister said the sector’s export performance remains broadly stable.
