The Woolmark Company Reinforces Australia–India Textile Partnership at Bharat Tex 2026
New Delhi: The Woolmark Company reaffirmed its long-standing commitment to India’s textile and apparel industry with a strong presence at Bharat Tex 2026, one of the world’s largest textile and apparel trade exhibitions. In collaboration with the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) and the Australian High Commission, the company showcased the premium qualities of Australian Merino wool while highlighting new opportunities for innovation, sustainability, and industry collaboration.
The participation reflects more than 50 years of partnership between Australia’s wool industry and India’s textile sector. Through Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) and its global brand, The Woolmark Company, Australia has consistently worked with Indian manufacturers, apparel brands, educational institutions, research organizations, and government bodies to promote the adoption of high-quality Australian Merino wool.
Over the decades, The Woolmark Company has invested significantly in research, product development, technical education, and market expansion, playing a vital role in strengthening India’s wool value chain. Its continued engagement has helped Indian textile manufacturers improve product quality, enhance innovation, and expand their presence in global markets.
At Bharat Tex 2026, The Woolmark Company interacted with textile manufacturers, fashion brands, government representatives, researchers, and academic institutions to demonstrate the versatility and performance benefits of Australian Merino wool. A major focus of the exhibition was educating the industry on the advantages of Merino wool in performance sportswear, supported by recent research on its dynamic breathability and moisture-management capabilities.
Visitors to the Woolmark pavilion also explored innovative wool-based products designed for fashion, technical textiles, and emerging applications, emphasizing the fibre’s natural sustainability, comfort, durability, and adaptability across multiple product categories.
As part of the event, The Woolmark Company, together with Austrade and the Australian High Commission, hosted an exclusive industry networking evening. The gathering brought together leading stakeholders from India’s textile and apparel ecosystem to discuss innovation, sustainable manufacturing, natural fibres, and future opportunities for strengthening Australia–India textile collaboration.
A significant highlight of Bharat Tex 2026 was the signing of two strategic Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with The South India Textile Research Association (SITRA) and The Technological Institute of Textile & Sciences (TITS), Bhiwani. These partnerships aim to enhance technical capabilities, promote collaborative research, strengthen education initiatives, and accelerate innovation across India’s wool value chain. The agreements further reinforce The Woolmark Company’s long-term commitment to supporting the sustainable development and global competitiveness of India’s wool and textile industry.
Speaking at the event, Ajay Pradhan, Country Manager of The Woolmark Company, emphasized India’s strategic importance to the organization.
“For more than five decades, India has been one of The Woolmark Company’s most strategic and valued markets. Bharat Tex provides an exceptional platform to deepen industry partnerships, foster innovation, and demonstrate how collaboration can unlock new opportunities for Australian Merino wool across India’s textile and apparel value chain. As India’s textile industry continues to evolve toward higher-value, premium products, we remain committed to supporting manufacturers, brands, research institutions, and government partners through innovation, product development, and technical excellence,” Pradhan said.
Highlighting the broader trade relationship, Todd Miller, Trade & Investment Commissioner at Austrade, Mumbai, noted that India remains one of the most important markets for Australian wool.
“India is a key market for Australian wool, and the strong partnership between Australian wool exporters and India’s textile industry continues to create mutual opportunities. We are proud to support Australian Wool Innovation at Bharat Tex 2026, strengthening industry connections and showcasing the premium quality and versatility of Australian wool,” Miller said.
The participation of The Woolmark Company and Austrade at Bharat Tex 2026 underscores the growing strategic partnership between Australia and India in the textile sector. As both nations increasingly focus on sustainability, innovation, and value-added manufacturing, initiatives such as collaborative research, technical education, and knowledge exchange are expected to further strengthen bilateral trade and enhance the global competitiveness of both countries’ textile industries.
Through its continued investment in innovation, strategic collaborations, and industry engagement, The Woolmark Company is reinforcing its position as the global authority on wool while supporting India’s ambition to become a leading global hub for premium wool textiles and sustainable apparel manufacturing.
