The Indian technical textiles industry is on the cusp of a remarkable growth trajectory, with expectations to achieve a staggering US $ 50 billion within the next five years, a significant leap from its current standing at US $ 22 billion, according to textiles secretary Rachna Shah.
Addressing a gathering organised jointly by FICCI, BIS, and the Ministry of Textiles, Shah highlighted the substantial progress witnessed by the technical textiles segment, both nationally and internationally.
“The global technical textiles market currently stands at approximately US $ 260 billion and is projected to surge to US $ 325 billion by 2025-26. In India, we are making tremendous strides, with the current market size at US $ 22 billion. The government is unwaveringly committed to elevating it to an impressive US $ 40-50 billion in the coming five years,” asserted Shah.
Shah shed light on the multifaceted approach employed by the Government, which includes a strong focus on research and development activities in the technical textile sector, encompassing fibres and the development of various applications. Additionally, the government is dedicated to establishing a well-structured skilling ecosystem to nurture a skilled workforce essential for the sector’s expansion.
The secretary further stated that the Ministry is collaborating closely with various inter-ministries and departments within the Government and state governments to increase the demand and penetration of technical textiles. “One of the critical elements of the approach is focusing on standards and regulations for technical textiles as these are highly specialised products with high-performance requirements,” she added.
Shah informed that apart from developing standards, it is also crucial to map the technical textiles with Harmonized System of Nomenclature (HSN) codes as it will help in tracking the trade of these products. The HSN codes are, in turn, being mapped to various regulations and standards. She emphasised that a collaborative approach between certification agencies, industry, and various government ministries will be pivotal in ensuring the success of their initiatives and the growth of the sector.
With the strong backing of the Government and a clear vision for growth, the Indian technical textiles industry is expected to witness remarkable progress in the coming years, contributing significantly to the country’s economy and global standing in the technical textiles market.