Dr J V Rao recently presented a webinar on “Entrepreneurial Opportunities in BuildTech for MSMEs” to the members of the Textile Association of India (TAI), Delhi Unit.
The session focused on how BuildTech (technical textiles for construction) is emerging as a promising domain for MSMEs, driven by India’s rapid infrastructure growth and the increasing emphasis on performance, durability, sustainability and lifecycle efficiency in construction.
The presentation covered:
BuildTech Opportunities Areas
India is witnessing rapid growth in the construction of metros, airports, highways, public buildings, housing…Speed, durability, sustainability and lifecycle performance are essential in today’s construction works.

The Textile Association (India), Mumbai Unit organized an International Conference on “TEXTILES 2030 - Navigating Geopolitics, Technology Innovations and Global Expectations” on Friday, 30th January 2026 at Hotel the Lalit, Mumbai. The Conference received overwhelming response with 350 delegates in attendance. The theme of Conference, topics, presentations, and speakers were highly appreciated by one and all. Some of the highlights of the conference are described as under.
V. C. Gupte, Chairman, Textile Association (India), Mumbai Unit and Convener of the Conference, extended a warm welcome to the Chief Guest, Ms. Roop Rashi (IAS), Chief Executive Officer, Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), Government of India; the Guest of Honour; the Keynote Speaker; awardees; speakers; sponsors; members of the press and media; and all delegates.

In a world swayed by Trump tariffs there is no dull day. Here it comes "Bangladesh just inking a game‑changing US trade deal recently", slashing tariffs to 19% (from 37%) with zero duties on select apparel using US cotton as per source based information. Putting it in the context; Whereas, India's own deal sits at 18%—a razor‑thin/insignificant so to say 1% edge now flipped on its head thanks to this announcement. 
Let us bear in mind, Bangladesh's RMG sector, 80%+ of its exports and $30B+ to the US unlike India where country is a secular sectoral story and risks and rewards are evenly balanced, gets a catalytic boost, especially with quota‑free zero tariffs for US‑sourced fabrics as observed by trade experts.

13th Asian Textile Conference (ATEXCON) on 17–18 March 2026 at T-Hub, Hyderabad.

Theme: Re-imagining the Future of Global Textiles
ATEXCON 2026 will bring together senior Asian and global textile leaders, policymakers, and investors to discuss trade realignments, sustainability, technology, and Asia’s growing role amid evolving EU & US trade frameworks.

Hosted by the Government of Telangana , the conference offers high-level discussions, curated networking, and B2B interactions.

The Union Budget 2026–27 has unveiled a landmark policy framework for the textile sector, signaling a paradigm shift from traditional support to a high-growth, "Fibre-to-Fashion" integrated model. Recognizing the sector's critical role in employment and exports, the Government has introduced comprehensive measures to bolster infrastructure, sustainability, and MSME liquidity.
The Integrated Programme for the Textile Sector : The centerpiece of this year's budget is a new, five-pillar Integrated Programme designed to enhance self-reliance and global competitiveness:
National Fibre Scheme: Aimed at achieving 100% self-reliance across the spectrum, including silk, wool, jute, man-made fibres, and innovative "new-age" materials.

Textiles sector has seen tremendous growth in the last decade, from 8.4 lakh crore rupees in 2014 to around 16 lakh crore rupees today: Union Textiles Minister.

India developing its own design and forecasting indigenous standards like VisionNxt and IndiaSize to reduce reliance on foreign benchmarking: Textiles Minister.
Industry confident of achieving the ambitious target of USD 40 billion in apparel exports by 2030: Chairman AEPC.-

The Northern India Textile Mills’ Association (NITMA) has formally sought the urgent intervention of the Ministry of Textiles and the Ministry of Commerce and Industry to address a critical "Inverted Duty Structure" currently penalizing domestic manufacturers. 
As the review of the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) nears its conclusion, the industry body warns that failing to correct this anomaly will stifle domestic production and favour foreign imports.
The Structural Flaw: Taxing Raw Materials, Not Finished Goods
NITMA highlighted a long standing anomaly under the current India-ASEAN FTA where raw materials are taxed higher than finished products, making Indian manufactured yarn uncompetitive against imports from ASEAN nations.

CITI delegation appeals to Union Agriculture Minister for duty-free cotton imports, flags competitiveness challenge, notes MSP protects farmers’ interests.

A Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI) delegation comprising leading lights of the textile and apparel industry met the Hon’ble Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, in Delhi on January 09, 2026, to seek his intervention regarding the permanent removal of import duty on cotton of all varieties.

The delegation informed the Hon’ble Minister about the industry’s apprehensions concerning the reinstatement of the cotton import duty from January 1, 2026, and its adverse impact on the competitiveness of the country’s textile and apparel sector.

Focus Market Scheme (FMS) and increase in the interest subvention rate tops the list of Apparel Sector Union Budget Wishlist

Speaking on the wishlist of the garment industry, before the Union Budget, Dr. A. Sakthivel, Chairman, AEPC, said, “The Indian apparel sector is currently facing an exceptionally challenging environment, with sharp tariff shocks in key markets such as the United States, coupled with prolonged geopolitical uncertainties that continue to disrupt global trade flows, logistics and demand sentiment. At this critical juncture, the industry looks to the Union Budget for targeted, time-bound interventions that can enhance competitiveness, safeguard employment, and sustain export growth.”

All Fashion Sourcing Cape Town – Registrations Open Now!

A business-driven marketplace for the textile and fashion industry, bringing together African creativity, design, and manufacturing with international sourcing opportunities.

Connect with global manufacturers, suppliers, industry associations, SMMEs, and designers across the entire fashion supply chain—all under one roof.

Event Dates: 14–16 July 2026.

India’s Textiles: Where Heritage, Craftsmanship, and Global Innovation Converge

India’s textile and apparel industry is not just an economic sector but a vibrant expression of our rich heritage and unparalleled craftsmanship. From traditional handloom clusters to world-class apparel manufacturing units, this sector embodies India’s creativity, resilience and ingenuity, shaping our global identity and establishing the country as a leader in innovation, design and sustainable production in the textiles and fashion world.
Credits: H’Ble Minister of commerce & industry, Piyush Goyal message on the occasion of AEPC Honour Awards produced from the “Book of paper”.

H'ble V.P. Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan address at 'the 24th Edition of AEPC Excellence Honours' last Saturday, compiled by Salil Chawla-Director, DFU Publications, started by saying, I extend my warm congratulations to the outstanding performers of the Export Promotion Council and to all exporters whose consistent efforts have strengthened India’s export performance.

I am pleased to be part of this annual awards function and to acknowledge the leadership of the Chairman, Vice Chairman, Secretary and other distinguished members present here today.
Each awardee exemplifies dedication, hard work and excellence. Your achievements go beyond individual success—they inspire others across the industry.