Textile exports set to double by 2030, says government, citing sustainability efforts and trade deals like the India-UK CETA as key drivers.
New Delhi: India has announced that it wants to double its total textile exports by 2030. This week, a group from India’s Ministry of Textiles visited London to talk about ways to increase exports through the recently signed India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA).
The new goal will focus on using new tariff-free access, improving sustainability, and building better connections with markets and buyers. CETA removes import taxes on almost all Indian textile and apparel exports to the UK, covering 99% of the UK’s tariff lines.
India’s overall textile exports to double by 2030
Technical textiles are a special area of focus. Export targets for these products are set to reach $1 billion (£823 million) by 2030, up from the current $240 million (£197 million).
The Indian government said that overall textile exports are expected to double by 2030, thanks to sustainability efforts and better market access under agreements like the India-UK CETA.
A high-level team, led by Neelam Shami Rao, Secretary of the Ministry of Textiles, was in London to show India’s strength in the textile industry and to boost trade relations with the UK.
The team included members from all major Export Promotion Councils (EPCs) and top exporters.
On the first day of the visit, several events were held, including a Textile Roadshow and meetings with buyers and sourcing companies in the handicraft, handloom, and carpet sectors, as shared by the Ministry of Textiles.
India is the fourth-largest textile exporter to the UK. Textile exports to the UK reached $2.16 billion in 2024–25, making up 6.6% of the UK’s imports.
During the visit, the Textiles Secretary highlighted India’s ability to meet UK market needs with a mix of traditional craftsmanship, modern production scale, sustainability, and traceability. She said India is focused on creating strong, transparent supply chains that match global consumer expectations.
Vikram K. Doraiswami, the High Commissioner of India to the UK, talked about the strong historical ties between India and the UK and stressed the need to improve textile trade between the two countries.
He pointed out that the recently signed CETA offers a win-win opportunity for both nations, helping boost trade, investment, and cooperation in textiles. Meetings between the Indian delegation and UK buyers in handicrafts, handlooms, and carpets focused on GI-tagged products, sustainability efforts, and direct connections between buyers and producers. UK buyers welcomed the initiative and confirmed their commitment to source more from India.
The ministry said the visit is expected to improve market access, encourage joint investments, and enhance the image of Indian textiles in the UK.
