Guwahati, Jan 9: The two day National Textiles Ministers’ Conference commenced here on Thursday bringing together Textile Ministers and senior officials from States and Union Territories to deliberate on a comprehensive roadmap for strengthening India’s textile sector and positioning the country as a global textile hub.
Organised by the Ministry of Textiles, the conference is being held under the theme “India’s Textiles: Weaving Growth, Heritage & Innovation” and aims to deepen cooperative federalism through coordinated efforts between the Centre and States.
The inaugural session was attended by Union Minister of Textiles Shri Giriraj Singh, Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh Dr. Mohan Yadav, Minister of State for Textiles Shri Pabitra Margherita, senior officials and other dignitaries.
Addressing the gathering, Shri Giriraj Singh said the Union Government is working in a “steady and balanced manner” to harmonise production, exports and sustainability in the textile sector. He said the conference seeks to encourage brainstorming, innovation and idea-sharing to build a strong roadmap for the industry. Urging States and Union Territories to frame investor-friendly policies, the Union Minister emphasised the need to attract greater investment at the state level.
Highlighting the importance of the Northeastern region, Shri Singh said the Prime Minister has accorded the highest priority to its growth and development, with focused efforts on strengthening infrastructure and accelerating overall development.
Dr. Mohan Yadav, Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, said the textile industry in India is witnessing rapid growth and that the artistic skills of Indian craftsmen deserve greater access to global markets. He added that the conference would help chart a comprehensive roadmap to accelerate sectoral growth.
Minister of State for Textiles Shri Pabitra Margherita described it as a moment of pride that Guwahati is hosting the national conference, bringing together the Centre and States to jointly plan the future of the textile sector. He said India has set an ambitious target of building a USD 350 billion textile economy and noted that, as per the Handloom Census 2019–20, the Northeastern region contributes around 52 per cent of the country’s total handloom production.
Secretary, Textiles Smt. Neelam Shami Rao said the textile sector continues to occupy a vital place in India’s social and economic life, adding that nearly 500 districts across the country export one or more textile products globally. Additional Secretary, Textiles Shri Rohit Kansal noted that India is among the largest textile-producing countries in the world and that the Centre is working closely with States to promote sectoral growth.
The inaugural session also saw the opening of an Exhibition and Pavilion showcasing India’s textile heritage, innovation and strength, along with the release of “India’s Textile Atlas: State Compendium 2025.”
During the day, multiple sessions were held on infrastructure, investments, raw materials and fibres including cotton, silk, jute and wool, technical textiles and new-age fibres. Ministers and officials shared best practices, investment opportunities, challenges and policy suggestions to further strengthen the sector.
The conference will continue on Friday with deliberations on exports, branding, handlooms and handicrafts.
