New Delhi: India’s growing prowess in technical textiles took centre stage in Manchester as a high-level delegation, led by Neelam Shami Rao, Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, showcased the sector’s innovation and sustainability drive during a dedicated roadshow.
The event underscored India’s expanding capabilities in man-made fibre and advanced textile segments, signalling deeper India-UK trade opportunities.
Rao emphasised that technical textiles are among India’s fastest-growing areas, supported by research and development, advanced manufacturing and circular economy practices under the National Technical Textiles Mission.
She highlighted India’s focus on green manufacturing and waste reduction as key to strengthening long-term competitiveness.
The discussions also touched on the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement, which aims to provide secure sourcing and technology partnerships for the UK while offering India enhanced market access, tariff cuts, mutual recognition of standards and greater investor confidence.
Rao invited UK retailers and industrial users to collaborate with India’s cost-competitive, innovation-led ecosystem to build resilient, sustainable supply chains.
The delegation visited the Manchester Fashion Institute at Manchester Metropolitan University and the Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre to explore partnerships in advanced materials, sustainable textiles and circular fashion models.
India’s technical textiles exports stood at $2.92 billion in FY 2024-25, with Packtech accounting for 37.5 per cent and Indutech 28 per cent. Exports to the UK reached $136 million, representing 4.7 per cent share of the total, highlighting the growing trade potential between the two nations.
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