The European Union (EU) and the Indian Ministry of Textiles have launched seven new projects aimed at strengthening India’s textile and handicrafts industry. The joint announcement was made on February 15, 2025, during the Bharat Tex event. The initiatives, backed by 9.5 million euros (approximately INR 85.5 crore) in funding from the EU, seek to drive inclusive growth, enhance resource efficiency, and promote sustainability across India’s textile sector.
Key objectives of these projects include:
- Sustainability and Resource Efficiency: The initiatives will focus on promoting sustainable practices in textile manufacturing, such as reducing water and energy consumption, minimizing waste, and encouraging the use of eco-friendly materials. This aligns with the global push towards greener textile production.
- Supporting Women’s Livelihoods: A significant aspect of the projects is aimed at empowering women within the textile and handicrafts industry. By providing training, skill development, and entrepreneurial opportunities, these initiatives will help improve women’s livelihoods and boost economic empowerment.
- Inclusive Growth: The projects will prioritize enhancing the skills of marginalized communities, ensuring that benefits of growth are distributed more equitably across the sector. This will also support traditional artisans and craftspeople to integrate into the broader textile industry.
The joint EU-India projects reflect a growing partnership between the two regions, aiming to modernize India’s textile industry while promoting social and environmental sustainability. These efforts are expected to bolster India’s global competitiveness in textiles and contribute to the industry’s long-term resilience.
