India has set a target to double its overall textile exports by 2030, supported by sustainability initiatives and improved market access under agreements such as the India–UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), the Ministry of Textiles announced on Tuesday.
A high-level delegation led by Neelam Shami Rao, Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, is currently in London to showcase India’s strengths across the textile value chain and deepen trade engagement with the United Kingdom. The delegation includes representatives of all major Export Promotion Councils (EPCs) and leading exporters.
On the first day of the visit, the Ministry said a series of programmes were organised, including a Textile Roadshow and sectoral meetings with buyers and sourcing houses in the handicraft, handloom and carpet sectors.
India is the fourth-largest textile exporter to the UK, with exports valued at US $ 2.16 billion in 2024–25, accounting for 6.6% of the UK’s imports.
The Textiles Secretary highlighted India’s capacity to serve the UK market through a mix of heritage craftsmanship, modern scale, sustainability, and traceability initiatives, while stressing the importance of resilient and transparent supply chains aligned with global consumer expectations.
Vikram K. Doraiswami, High Commissioner of India to the UK, emphasised the historic ties between the two countries and said the recently signed India–UK CETA provided an opportunity for enhanced trade, investment, and collaboration in the textile sector.
Meetings between the Indian delegation and UK buyers focused on GI-tagged Indian products, sustainability and traceability measures, and establishing direct buyer–producer linkages. UK buyers welcomed the initiative and indicated their commitment to expand sourcing from India.
According to the ministry, the visit is expected to strengthen market access, encourage joint investments, and bolster the positioning of Indian textiles in the UK.
