A senior Indian textile delegation, led by Ms. Neelam Shami Rao, Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, is visiting London to present India’s strength across the textile value chain and to further deepen bilateral trade ties between India and the UK. The delegation consists of representatives from all major Export Promotion Councils (EPCs) along with prominent exporters.
On the opening day, multiple programmes were held, including a Textile Roadshow and sector-specific meetings with sourcing houses and buyers in the Handicraft, Handloom, and Carpet sectors.
India–UK Textile Trade Snapshot
- India ranks as the 4th largest textile exporter to the UK.
- In 2024–25, exports reached USD 2.16 billion, accounting for 6.6% of UK’s total textile imports.
- Export composition: Apparel (66.2%), Cotton Textiles (12.8%), MMF (7.5%), Handicrafts (7.2%), and Carpets (3.0%).
- India aims to double its overall textile exports by 2030, driven by sustainability measures and improved market access through trade agreements such as the India–UK CETA.
Roadshow in London
The Textile Roadshow, jointly organised by the High Commission of India in London, the Ministry of Textiles, and EPCs, showcased India’s export potential under CETA.
Addressing the event, the Secretary (Textiles) stressed India’s ability to supply the UK market with a blend of heritage craftsmanship, large-scale production, sustainability, and traceability initiatives. She highlighted India’s commitment to building resilient, transparent supply chains that align with global buyer expectations.
H.E. Mr. Vikram K. Doraiswami, High Commissioner of India to the UK, noted the historic relationship between India and the UK, emphasizing the importance of reinforcing textile trade ties. He pointed out that the India–UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) represents a mutually beneficial opportunity, enabling stronger collaboration, investment, and trade in textiles.
Buyer Meetings
Focused meetings with UK buyers in Handicrafts, Handloom, and Carpets centred on:
- Promoting GI-tagged Indian products,
- Strengthening sustainability and traceability practices,
- Enhancing direct buyer–producer linkages.
UK buyers responded positively to the initiative and confirmed their interest in expanding sourcing from India.
Way Forward
The visit is anticipated to improve market access, foster joint investments, and strengthen India’s textile brand image in the UK. It reinforces India’s commitment to being a sustainable and reliable global textile partner, while working toward the ambitious target of doubling textile exports by 2030.