The Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI) concluded a successful participation at Bharat Tex 2026, reinforcing its commitment to positioning India as a leading global hub for apparel manufacturing, sourcing, and innovation. Through a wide-ranging presence focused on branding, sustainability, international collaboration, policy engagement, and industry leadership, CMAI highlighted the strength and potential of India’s apparel sector at one of the world’s largest textile and apparel exhibitions.
As a key partner of Bharat Tex since the event’s inception, CMAI facilitated the participation of more than 100 exhibitors across multiple exhibition halls, representing apparel manufacturers, textile companies, brands, and sustainability initiatives. The Brands of India Pavilion featured over 70 leading apparel brands, while the newly introduced Innerwear & Sleepwear Pavilion spotlighted India’s rapidly expanding intimate apparel segment, showcasing the diversity and global potential of Indian fashion brands.
Commenting on the event, Santosh Katariya, President, Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI), said:
“Bharat Tex has evolved into a landmark platform that showcases the capabilities, resilience, and ambitions of India’s apparel industry. CMAI’s participation this year reflects our continued focus on creating a globally competitive, innovation-driven, and sustainability-oriented ecosystem.”
To further promote sustainability, CMAI partnered with the Global Alliance for Textile Sustainability (GATS) to present the Eco-Stitch Sustainability & Circularity Hub. Throughout the four-day event, the hub served as a collaborative platform featuring sustainability report launches, product introductions, technology demonstrations, investor and buyer interactions, industry roundtables, and strategic partnerships. It brought together manufacturers, brands, recyclers, technology providers, multilateral organisations, and sustainability experts from across the textile value chain.
One of the major highlights was the launch of the India Textiles & Apparel CXO Blueprint 2030, jointly developed by CMAI and GATS, by Shri Giriraj Singh, Hon’ble Minister of Textiles. The report outlines a strategic roadmap aimed at enhancing India’s global competitiveness through sustainability, traceability, technological advancement, and innovation-led manufacturing.
Naveen Sainani, Chairman – ESG Committee & Hon. General Secretary, CMAI, said:
“The strong participation across CMAI’s initiatives at Bharat Tex 2026 reflects the industry’s readiness for the next phase of global growth. From promoting Indian brands and encouraging international partnerships to driving discussions around sustainability and manufacturing excellence, our objective has been to create long-term value for the sector.”
Beyond the exhibition floor, CMAI organised several high-impact industry discussions and knowledge-sharing sessions that brought together policymakers, global business leaders, manufacturers, retailers, and fashion designers to discuss the future of apparel manufacturing, retail transformation, sustainability, and India’s growing role in the global marketplace.
A roundtable titled ‘Indian Brands, Global Ambitions: Redefining Retail Growth Beyond Borders’, hosted by Deloitte with CMAI’s support and chaired by Hon’ble Minister of Textiles Shri Giriraj Singh, featured participation from senior government officials, leading companies including Welspun World, PDS Ltd., Arvind Advance Materials, Trent, and renowned designers Vaishali Shadangule and Rahul Mishra.
CMAI also organised a panel discussion with the Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI) titled ‘Brands of a Billion: The Great Indian Retail Revolution’, featuring executives from Trent, BIBA, Lacoste India, Benetton India, Go Colors, Libas, Haute Couture, Tradyl, and other leading retail brands.
Strengthening its global engagement, CMAI hosted the Board Meeting of the International Apparel Federation (IAF) and conducted international leadership sessions in collaboration with IAF and Gherzi Consulting. The Apparel Manufacturing Leadership Session brought together global industry experts including Stefano Festa Marzotto (IAF), Giuseppe Gherzi (Gherzi Textile Organisation), Sanjay Jain (PDS Group), Edgar Tung (Tessellation Group), Mahmud Hasan Khan (BGMEA), Navdeep Sodhi (Gherzi Textile Organisation), along with CMAI leadership, reinforcing India’s growing influence in shaping the future of global apparel manufacturing.
Through its extensive initiatives and industry collaborations at Bharat Tex 2026, CMAI once again reaffirmed its leadership in driving innovation, sustainability, competitiveness, and long-term global growth for India’s apparel industry.
