A high-level Indian delegation led by Ms. Neelam Shami Rao, Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, showcased India’s growing prowess in technical textiles at a dedicated roadshow in Manchester, United Kingdom. The delegation included senior officials from the Ministry of Textiles and representatives from key industry bodies such as TEXPROCIL, reflecting India’s focus on innovation, sustainability and international collaboration.

In her keynote, Ms. Rao emphasized that technical textiles remain one of India’s fastest expanding segments, powered by advanced manufacturing, research-driven growth and circular economy practices. She underlined India’s commitment to green manufacturing, waste reduction and sustainable product development under the National Technical Textiles Mission.

The Secretary also highlighted the opportunities presented by the India–UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement, which is set to create a framework for deeper textile trade. She explained how the agreement can support mutual recognition of standards, tariff reduction and investor confidence while offering the UK secure and cost-competitive sourcing options from India’s innovation-driven textile ecosystem.

Beyond the roadshow, the delegation engaged with leading research hubs including the Manchester Fashion Institute at Manchester Metropolitan University and the Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre. These visits explored collaborations in advanced materials, sustainable textile innovations and circular fashion models.

India’s exports of technical textiles reached USD 2.92 billion in FY 2024–25, with Packtech and Indutech forming the largest categories. Exports to the UK stood at USD 136 million, accounting for 4.7 per cent of the total. With flagship initiatives such as PM MITRA parks, the Production Linked Incentive scheme and the National Technical Textiles Mission, India is creating world-class infrastructure to support global partnerships.

The Manchester roadshow marked another step in India’s vision to double textile exports by 2030, with sustainability and circularity guiding the way for a stronger India–UK textile trade partnership.