The Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) has launched a four-day garment export market masterclass for Noida’s garment cluster, with in-person training sessions running until 6 September in the industrial city.
The programme is being led by trade expert Dr Jagat Shah, who has worked extensively with Indian MSMEs on export competitiveness. Dr Shah highlighted that Indian exporters must prioritise quality, sustainability, and innovation to remain competitive. He noted that with tariff changes disrupting traditional trade flows, there is a significant opportunity for MSMEs to explore emerging markets and strengthen India’s global presence.
SIDBI Noida’s deputy general manager Swapnil Sahil said the initiative is designed to equip local garment manufacturers with strategies to expand into high-potential markets beyond the United States.
The masterclass comes at a critical juncture for the industry, with Indian exporters facing mounting pressures from global trade realignments and supply chain shifts. Trade experts observed that diversifying into non-US markets could mitigate risks and enhance India’s standing as a dependable sourcing hub.
India’s garment sector has been particularly affected by recent tariff hikes imposed by the US, prompting efforts to diversify export destinations. Officials and trade analysts said this shift could allow India to capture a larger share of the global apparel trade, which is valued at more than US $ 590 billion across 40 countries other than the US.
Currently, India accounts for only around 5–6% of this market. To boost its presence, the government has outlined plans for dedicated outreach programmes across all 40 target countries, including established markets such as France, Germany, and Japan, as well as emerging destinations such as Mexico, South Korea, the UAE, and Australia.
