Technical Textiles

"Parivartan hi sansar ka niyam hai" - Change is the law of the universe. In line with this powerful message, India’s textile heritage is transforming to meet the needs of a changing world. Our journey in technical textiles isn't just about fabric – it's about weaving dreams, securing futures, and crafting a sustainable tomorrow for 1.4 billion Indians. Today, I share with pride how India's technical textiles sector is revolutionizing lives across our nation. With 12 specialised segments such as  Packtech, Indutech, Mobiltech, Clothtech, Hometech, Meditech, Agrotech, Buildtech, Protech, Geotech, Sportech, and Oekotech, each offering great opportunities.

As the world’s fifth-largest technical textiles market, valued at $25 billion and projected to surpass $40 billion by 2030, India has seen remarkable export growth, rising from near zero in 2014 to $3 billion in FY 2023-24, with a target of $10 billion by 2030. Packtech, Indutech, and Mobiltech account for 70% of exports, highlighting India’s manufacturing strength, while the 229% growth in the Buildtech sector showcases expertise in specialized areas. Moving forward, India plans to expand exports across other technical textile segments, including Buildtech, Meditech, Agrotech, and other emerging sectors, while stimulating domestic demand through R&D, entrepreneurship, and sustainable practices. With abundant human resources and an expanding raw material supply, technical textiles are set to be a sustainable and viable option for India's future.

To support our nation’s goal of self-reliance, we are focused on reducing import dependence on crucial raw materials like nylon, carbon fiber, high-specialty fibers, and ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). Just as India is working to become self-reliant in semiconductors to boost its defense and aerospace sectors, we aspire to do the same in the field of technical textiles. To achieve this, the Modi Government launched the National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM), supported by ₹1,480 crore. This initiative has already approved 168 projects worth ₹509 crore and funded 12 startups with ₹5.79 crore. We are not merely contributing to global progress; we are shaping it. Our vision extends beyond numbers, aiming to build a self-reliant India that leads through innovation while honoring its cultural heritage.

A significant milestone awaits us with the domestic production of T100 Carbon Fiber within 2.5 years, which will substantially reduce our import dependency in critical defense and aerospace applications. While we're working to reduce our reliance on imported non-woven materials, carbon fibre, high-specialty fibers, nylon and UHMWPE. I'm confident India will begin domestic carbon fibre production by FY 2025-26, marking a crucial step toward self-sufficiency.

Our agricultural sector showcases the transformative power of technical textiles. Innovative agrotextiles are driving over $567 million in exports with a robust 5% annual growth over the past six years. Picture a farmer in rural India using advanced shade nets and mulch mats, witnessing crop yields surge by 30-40% while using 40% less water. Through eleven groundbreaking projects under NTTM, including Sunn Hemp crop covers by Northern India Textile Research Association (NITRA)  and herbal-coated seed bags by South India Textile Research Association (SITRA), we're seeing farmer incomes rise by an unprecedented 67-75%. This is sustainable development in its truest form.

National security remains paramount in our technical textiles journey. Our security personnel now benefit from an indigenous shield of courage – advanced protective fabric developed through NITRA's research that withstands temperatures up to 449 degrees. This isn't just about technical advancement; it's about protecting those who protect us.

India’s automotive sector is thriving, with vehicle sales surpassing 40 lakh units in FY 2023-24, driving airbag demand and prompting global leaders like Autoliv, ZF, and Joyson to expand operations locally. As the fastest-growing market for seat belt webbing, with a 9.2% growth rate supported by Autocop and Maruti Suzuki, India is advancing in safety and innovation. In packaging, Flexible Intermediate Bulk Containers (FIBC) are replacing traditional materials like glass, metal & cardboard containers, offering durability, versatility, and reusability. Lighter & more eco-friendly FIBC bags provide lower transportation costs and support sustainable practices.

Furthermore, AI and blockchain are essential for making textile production smarter and more transparent. AI improves efficiency by automating processes, reducing errors, and enabling real-time monitoring, which enhances product quality. Blockchain adds accountability by securely recording each step in the supply chain, allowing customers and manufacturers to verify the origin, authenticity, and quality of materials, building trust and transparency in the industry.

Inspired by global leaders such as the USA, Japan, UK, Germany, and Israel, we are focused on advancing technical textiles through cutting-edge R&D and high-tech solutions. Israel’s innovations in the protech sector, like the Kit 300 for camouflage, and Italy’s leadership in agrotech, with sustainable solutions like advanced nets and thermo-reflective screens, serve as key models. By establishing a national knowledge center and strengthening local supply chains, we are adopting best practices. With the global technical textiles market set to grow from $250 billion to $300 billion by 2030, we aim to capture a 15% market share, underscoring our commitment to driving innovation and growth in this rapidly expanding sector.

As we progress toward Vision 2047, technical textiles are emerging as the link between India’s rich textile heritage and its technological future. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visionary leadership, we are not just adapting to change but driving it—developing innovative fibers and sustainable solutions that will make Bharat’s technical textiles a global symbol of quality, innovation, and sustainability.

The textile sector is poised to reach a market size of $350 billion, with exports contributing $100 billion by 2030. At this crucial juncture, I am confident that India’s technical textiles sector will not only meet global standards but set new benchmarks, creating vast opportunities for employment, entrepreneurship, and economic growth, and weaving a stronger, more resilient Bharat for tomorrow.

Shri Giriraj Singh, Union Minister of Textiles.