A high-powered roadshow held in Mumbai on November 8, 2024, has ignited excitement for Bharat Tex 2025, India's premier textile exhibition. The event brought together industry leaders, government officials, and export promotion councils to showcase the strength of India's textile value chain and promote the upcoming expo.

Roop Rashi, Textile Commissioner of India, expressed her enthusiasm for the collaborative spirit driving Bharat Tex. She praised the industry's commitment to showcasing India as a one-stop shop for all things textile, embodying the "India that is Bharat" ethos. Rashi highlighted the government's role in ensuring a robust ecosystem for the industry, including access to raw materials and favorable market conditions.

Narendra Goenka, Chairman of Bharat Tex 2024 and AEPC, set the stage by emphasizing the vital role of the textile industry in India's economy. He highlighted its position as the second-largest employer and a significant contributor to GDP and export earnings. Goenka lauded the government's vision for Bharat Tex, aiming to rival major international textile shows and propel India towards its ambitious export target of $100 billion by 2030.

Bhadresh Dodhia, Chairman of MATEXIL, provided a detailed overview of Bharat Tex 2025, scheduled for February 14-17 at Pragati Maidan and February 12-15 at India Expo Mart. He outlined the comprehensive showcase planned across both venues, covering the entire textile value chain from fibre to fashion, including co-located shows on garment machinery and dyes & chemicals. Dodhia emphasized the organizers' focus on attracting top-tier international buyers and delivering impactful knowledge sessions.

Dr. Siddharth Rajagopal, Executive Director of TEXPROCIL, delved into the intricacies of Kasturi Cotton, an initiative to brand and elevate Indian cotton in the global market. He explained the rigorous quality checks, traceability through blockchain technology, and sustainability focus underpinning Kasturi Cotton. Rajagopal positioned Kasturi Cotton as a movement to redefine global perceptions of Indian cotton and ensure higher returns for farmers.

Navdeep S. Sodhi, Partner at Gherzi Textile Organization, provided insights into the mega trends shaping the textile and apparel industry. He identified three major waves of transformation: the phasing out of the Multi-Fibre Arrangement, the rise of China, and the current wave driven by sustainability, digitalization, and diversified sourcing. Sodhi emphasized the need for India to adapt to these trends and capitalize on the opportunities presented by shifting supply chains.

In his second presentation, Sodhi analysed the Indian textile and apparel industry's trajectory, outlining the investments and strategic pillars needed to achieve the government's ambitious growth targets. He stressed the importance of public-private partnerships, infrastructure development, and a supportive policy environment to propel India's textile industry to new heights.

The Mumbai roadshow served as a powerful platform to build momentum for Bharat Tex 2025. The event underscored the commitment of industry stakeholders and the government to position India as a global textile powerhouse. With its focus on innovation, sustainability, and collaboration, Bharat Tex 2025 is poised to be a landmark event for the Indian textile industry.