India's technical textiles sector is experiencing rapid growth, with a remarkable double-digit surge of 10 per cent, propelling it to become the world's fifth-largest market, as stated by Rachna Shah, Secretary, Ministry of Textiles. Speaking at a national Symposium on Advancements in Composites, Speciality Fibres, and Chemicals, jointly organised by the Ministry of Textiles, Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), and Ahmedabad Textiles Industries' Research Associations (ATIRA), Shah underscored the pivotal role of composites in various sectors like infrastructure, aerospace, automotive, defense, and healthcare.
Emphasising collaboration among stakeholders, including industry players, policymakers, researchers, and investors, Shah stressed the importance of addressing cost implications in composite production and enhancing awareness for wider adoption. Vijay Kumar Saraswat, Niti Aayog highlighted the significance of specialty fibers like aramids, carbon fiber, and UHMWPE in diverse applications such as fire-resistant fabrics, bulletproof jackets, and renewable energy solutions.
Saraswat outlined top trends in composite materials, including high-performance resins, carbon fiber-based materials, and biomaterials, accentuating the rising demand for bio-composites in construction and medical fields. Ajay Kumar Rana, Director General, RDSO, discussed the use of geotextiles and geo-composites in the railways sector, emphasising their utility in load-bearing applications and erosion control.
Rajeev Saxena, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, highlighted the sector's potential to enhance productivity and drive innovation, particularly through the National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM), aimed at positioning India as a global leader in technical textiles. Saxena outlined various guidelines under NTTM, focusing on research, innovation, startup initiatives, and skill development.
Nilesh M Desai, Director, Space Applications Centre (SAC/ISRO), underscored the significance of composites in aerospace applications due to their lightweight and durable properties, with CFRP and Asto glass fibers being prominently utilised. The symposium was attended by around 150 participants, including officials from central ministries, state governments, industry leaders, scientific experts, researchers, and professionals, reflecting the collaborative efforts driving India's technical textiles industry forward.
