The two-day National Textiles Ministers’ Conference commenced today in Guwahati, Assam, bringing together Textile Ministers and senior officials from States and Union Territories to chart a future-ready roadmap for India’s textile sector.
Organised by the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, the conference is being held under the theme “India’s Textiles: Weaving Growth, Heritage & Innovation.” The forum aims to strengthen cooperative federalism and promote coordinated action between the Centre and States to position India as a global hub for textiles, apparel and technical textiles. The inaugural session was attended by Union Minister of Textiles Shri Giriraj Singh, Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh Dr. Mohan Yadav, Minister of State for Textiles Shri Pabitra Margherita, and other senior dignitaries.
Speaking at the inaugural session, Union Minister for Textiles Shri Giriraj Singh said that the Union Government is working in a steady and balanced manner to harmonise production, exports, and sustainability in the textile sector. He said that the National Textiles Ministers’ Conference aims to encourage brainstorming, innovation, and idea sharing to help build a strong roadmap for strengthening India’s textile industry. The Union Minister urged textile ministers from States and Union Territories to formulate investor-friendly policies and emphasised the need to attract higher investments at the state level. He expressed confidence that the deliberations over the two days would help define a clear path forward. Speaking on the North-Eastern region, Shri Giriraj Singh said that the Prime Minister has accorded the highest priority to the development of the region and that the Government is working continuously to strengthen infrastructure and accelerate overall growth in the Northeast.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Mohan Yadav, Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, said that India’s textile industry is witnessing rapid growth and that the artistic skills of the country’s craftsmen deserve wider access to global markets. He added that the conference would help create a comprehensive roadmap to accelerate the sector’s expansion.
Minister of State for Textiles Shri Pabitra Margherita said that it is a moment of pride that the National Textiles Ministers’ Conference is being held in Guwahati, bringing together the Centre and States to jointly shape the future of the textile sector. He noted that enhanced dialogue and coordination would enable the Indian textile industry to strengthen its global presence. Shri Margherita further stated that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has set an ambitious target of achieving a USD 350 billion textile economy. Referring to the Handloom Census 2019–20, he highlighted that the North-Eastern region accounts for nearly 52 per cent of India’s total handloom production.
Secretary, Textiles, Smt. Neelam Shami Rao said that the textile industry continues to play a vital role in India’s social and economic fabric, with nearly 500 districts exporting one or more textile products to global markets. Additional Secretary, Textiles Shri Rohit Kansal noted that India is among the world’s largest textile-producing nations and that the sector’s growth is being supported through close coordination between the Union and State Governments.
The inaugural session also witnessed the opening of an Exhibition and Pavilion showcasing India’s textile strength, innovation and rich heritage. The report “India’s Textile Atlas: State Compendium 2025” was released during the event.
Multiple thematic sessions held during the day focused on infrastructure development, investments, raw materials and fibres including cotton, silk, jute and wool, technical textiles, and new-age fibres. Ministers and officials from States and Union Territories shared best practices, policy suggestions, challenges and investment opportunities to further strengthen the sector.
The conference will continue tomorrow with discussions on exports, branding, handlooms and handicrafts.