Bharat Tex 2026, India’s flagship global textile and apparel event, was officially inaugurated by Hon’ble Union Minister of Textiles Shri Giriraj Singh at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, marking the beginning of the country’s largest integrated textile exhibition with record international participation. The four-day event has brought together policymakers, global brands, manufacturers, investors, technology providers, exporters and industry leaders from across the world, reinforcing India’s ambition to emerge as a leading global textile manufacturing and sourcing hub.

Addressing the inaugural gathering, Shri Giriraj Singh said the Indian textile industry is entering a transformative phase driven by policy reforms, manufacturing competitiveness, sustainability and expanding global trade partnerships. He emphasised that Bharat Tex has evolved into a strategic platform that showcases the complete textile value chain while connecting India with international markets, investors and technology partners.

The Minister highlighted the Government’s vision of transforming India’s textile ecosystem into a globally competitive manufacturing base capable of attracting higher investments, generating employment and significantly increasing exports.

Free Trade Agreements Creating New Export Opportunities

Speaking about India’s growing integration with global markets, Shri Giriraj Singh said recently concluded Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) are opening substantial opportunities for the country’s textile and apparel exports.

He referred to the India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA), India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), India-Oman CEPA, and the recently concluded India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) as major milestones that will strengthen market access for Indian textile products.

The Minister added that negotiations with the European Union and several other economies are progressing, further enhancing India’s position within global textile supply chains.

According to him, India’s manufacturing capabilities, combined with supportive government policies and expanding trade agreements, are positioning the country as a preferred sourcing destination for global brands seeking diversified and resilient supply chains.

Vision 2030 Targets USD 100 Billion Textile Exports

Reiterating the Government’s long-term roadmap, Shri Giriraj Singh stated that the textile sector will play a central role in achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.

He announced that India’s textile exports are targeted to increase from the present level of around USD 37.7 billion to USD 100 billion by 2030.

The Minister identified Style, Scale, Skill and Sustainability as the four pillars that will guide future growth of the Indian textile industry. He reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to developing globally competitive, technology-driven and environmentally responsible textile value chains.

Bharat Tex Strengthens India’s Global Position

Hon’ble Minister of State for Textiles Shri Pabitra Margherita said Bharat Tex has firmly established itself as the world’s largest integrated textile event in just three editions and has become a symbol of India’s growing influence in the global textile and apparel industry.

Highlighting export opportunities, he noted that the European Union imports textiles and apparel worth more than USD 292.8 billion annually, while India’s exports to the EU currently stand at approximately USD 10.4 billion, indicating significant untapped growth potential.

He also highlighted the opportunities available in India’s Northeast, particularly in natural fibres such as Eri, Muga and Mulberry silk, encouraging international buyers and investors to explore partnerships with enterprises from the region.

Government Policy Driving Industry Growth

Speaking during the inauguration, Ms. Neelam Shami Rao, Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, remarked that the global textile industry is increasingly looking beyond sourcing and viewing India as a long-term strategic partner.

She pointed out that Bharat Tex 2026 reflects the truly national character of India’s textile industry with eight sponsor States and nine participating States and Union Territories represented at the event.

She further highlighted key government initiatives supporting the sector, including:

• Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme
• National Technical Textiles Mission
• Export Promotion Mission
• National Fibre Scheme
• Tex-Eco Initiative announced in Union Budget 2026-27

These initiatives, she said, collectively support the Ministry’s Vision 2030 target of achieving USD 100 billion in textile exports.

Bharat Tex and Première Vision Paris Sign Strategic Partnership

One of the major highlights of the inauguration was the signing of a Letter of Intent (LoI) between the Bharat Tex Trade Federation (BTTF) and Première Vision Paris, one of the world’s leading textile and fashion sourcing platforms.

The agreement was signed by Ms. Florence Rousson, Chief Executive Officer, Fashion Division, Première Vision SA, and Shri Naren Goenka, Chairman, BTTF, in the presence of Shri Giriraj Singh.

The partnership aims to strengthen India-Europe collaboration across:

• Textile innovation
• Sustainable manufacturing
• Fashion and design excellence
• Trend intelligence
• Buyer-seller engagement
• Global market access

The collaboration will focus on exhibition partnerships, export promotion and institutional cooperation, creating new opportunities for Indian manufacturers, MSMEs, exporters and designers to connect with leading international fashion brands.

Calling the agreement a significant milestone, Shri Giriraj Singh said the partnership would help position Bharat Tex as a truly global platform while enabling Indian textile companies, particularly MSMEs and first-time exporters, to access new European markets.

Knowledge Sessions, Business Meetings and Sustainability Awards

Over the next four days, Bharat Tex 2026 will host an extensive programme featuring:

• More than 100 knowledge sessions
• 39 panel discussions
• 16 roundtables
• 37 masterclasses
• 8 State sessions

Supported by over 50 knowledge partners, the sessions will address key themes including sustainability, trade, investment, Industry 5.0, technical textiles, innovation, fashion, policy and global sourcing.

The event is also expected to facilitate:

• More than 4,000 curated B2B meetings
• Over 100 B2G meetings
• Signing of 30+ Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) covering investment, sustainability, technology, trade and market access.

The CITI Textile Sustainability Awards 2026 will also recognise excellence in areas such as resource efficiency, energy management, circular economy, sustainable materials, responsible business practices and industry collaboration.

Digital Platform Enhances Visitor Experience

To improve networking and business engagement, Bharat Tex 2026 is leveraging an integrated digital ecosystem through its mobile application and pre-fair directory.

The digital platform offers:

• AI-assisted support
• Exhibitor discovery
• Buyer-seller matchmaking
• QR-based lead capture
• Digital badge access
• Event navigation
• Meeting scheduling

These features are designed to create a seamless, technology-enabled experience for exhibitors, buyers and international delegates.

Strengthening India’s Position in Global Textile Value Chains

With participation from governments, industry leaders, innovators, buyers and investors from around the world, Bharat Tex 2026 reflects India’s growing role in shaping the future of global textiles.

By combining manufacturing excellence, sustainability, innovation and international collaboration, the event reinforces India’s ambition to become one of the world’s most trusted textile sourcing destinations while supporting the broader vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.