Vice-President C P Radhakrishnan on Saturday stressed on the need for India to enter into more free trade agreements (FTAs) to gain a level-playing field with competitors like Bangladesh in global textile and apparel export markets.
Addressing the Apparel Exports Promotion Council (AEPC) awards event here, the Vice-President observed, “Previously, not many countries were competing with us for garment exports globally, but now there are many nations, like Bangladesh, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam and the African countries. So FTA is a must ... it is the greatest advantage our competing nations are having," Radhakrishnan said.
Asserting that India's target is to achieve the textile market size of US $350 billion by 2030 with US $100 billion in textile exports, he urged the apparel industry to also actively explore new markets and adopt eco-friendly manufacturing practices, responsible sourcing and strategies to minimise waste.
"Only constraint today is that the FTA with America is a little uncertain. I think it is only a matter of time," the Vice-President said.
Acknowledging that "there are a lot of constraints" on the Indian textile and apparel industry because of the geopolitical situation, he said India is the sixth largest exporter of textiles and apparels globally, which stands as a testament to the immense contribution of the textile industry in the nation's growth story.
The Vice-President expressed confidence that India's textiles exports will double in the next three years. "We cannot ignore the textile industry in India... It will grow, and I am sure you will be doubling your exports in the next three years," he said. India's textiles and apparel exports stood at US $37.75 billion in the last financial year 2024-25.
Speaking on the occasion, Sudhir Sekhri, Chairman, AEPC, said, "Despite global uncertainties, Indian apparel exports recorded a commendable 10 per cent growth in 2024-25. In November 2025 alone, exports grew by 11.3 per cent over November 2024, and by 22.1 per cent over November 2023. Cumulatively, RMG (readymade garment) exports during April-November 2025-26 stood at US $10.08 billion, reflecting sustained momentum and resilience despite global headwinds.”
Also read: India eyes 40 nations to boost textiles amid US tariffs
Follow us
