New markets, mega textile parks and import relief on cotton fibre form the backbone of New Delhi’s growth strategy.
India plans to double the size of its textile sector to USD 300 billion by 2030, with exports alone targeted to reach USD 100 billion, according to Union Minister of State for Textiles Pabitra Margherita.
Speaking to The Assam Tribune, Margherita said the industry currently stands at USD 140 billion, with exports contributing USD 37 billion. The government’s strategy rests on two pillars: leveraging India’s expanding domestic market and aggressively widening its export footprint into new geographies, while preserving market share in established destinations such as the United States.
Though the U.S. accounts for nearly 29 percent of India’s textile exports, Margherita noted that exporters have managed to absorb recent tariff increases, and ongoing bilateral discussions may ease duties. The government is simultaneously pursuing diversification to reduce market concentration risk.
Margherita also highlighted India’s structural cotton deficit, which necessitates imports. To support the apparel sector, the government has granted tax exemptions on cotton fibre imports.
On the investment front, he reported receiving expressions of interest amounting to Rs 21,000 crore, adding that major global brands are increasingly expanding sourcing from India. The rollout of PM MITRA mega textile parks in states with established textile clusters is expected to strengthen integrated manufacturing, reduce logistics costs and improve competitiveness.
The USD 300 billion target signals an ambition to reposition India as a global textile powerhouse at a time when supply chains are shifting and brands are seeking alternative, large-scale sourcing destinations. Achieving the export jump—from USD 37 billion to USD 100 billion—will require deeper reforms in MMF segments, technical textiles, infrastructure, skills and compliance capacity.
Success hinges on execution: the operationalisation of PM MITRA parks, stable cotton availability, improved market access and sustained foreign investment. If these measures take hold, India could leverage its domestic scale and evolving regulatory environment to capture a greater share of global apparel and textile demand by the end of the decade.
