FICCI TAG 2026 Highlights the Next Phase of Textile Growth
The 17th edition of FICCI TAG 2026 began in Mumbai on September 30, 2026, bringing together policymakers, textile manufacturers, exporters, technology providers and industry leaders.
The conference focused on building a globally competitive and future-ready textile ecosystem under the theme, “Nurturing the Next-Gen Indian Textile Ecosystem: Modern Facilities, Stronger Value Chains, Wider Global Reach.”
Discussions centred on modern manufacturing, technology adoption, sustainable value chains and wider access to international markets.
Maharashtra Textile Minister Calls for Greater Industry Collaboration
The inaugural session featured Shri Sanjay Savkare, Hon’ble Textile Minister of Maharashtra, and Smt. Vrunda Manohar Desai, Textile Commissioner, Government of India.
Together, they unveiled the FICCI-Wazir Annual Textile Industry Report 2026. The report examines the current state of the textile sector and identifies key priorities for improving India’s global competitiveness.
Shri Sanjay Savkare highlighted the resilience of India’s textile industry amid changing global trade conditions and supply chain challenges.
He also stressed the need for greater industry consolidation, collaboration and investment in modern manufacturing infrastructure. According to him, these factors will help Maharashtra increase textile exports while strengthening India’s position in global markets.
Furthermore, he called for collective efforts to build greater scale, productivity and competitiveness across the textile value chain.
Government Highlights Modernisation and Export Opportunities
Smt. Vrunda Manohar Desai highlighted the Government of India’s continued efforts to strengthen the textile ecosystem through targeted policies and flagship programmes.
She emphasised modernisation, stronger value chains and export competitiveness. In addition, she urged the industry to make better use of opportunities created by India’s expanding network of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs).
Presenting the report’s key findings, Mr. Prashant Agarwal, Managing Director, Wazir Advisors, identified automation, digitalisation and artificial intelligence as major drivers of future competitiveness and profitability.
He also highlighted the need to attract young engineering talent to the textile sector. Moreover, he called for innovation-led manufacturing ecosystems that can support long-term industry growth.
Automation and Scale Take Centre Stage
The first session, “Designing the Future Factories: Scale, Automation, and Data-Driven Operations,” examined how Indian textile manufacturers can build large-scale, globally competitive production facilities.
The discussion covered automation, digital technologies and data-driven decision-making across spinning, weaving, processing and garmenting.
Industry leaders also discussed productivity and the changing skill requirements of textile manufacturing.
Sammir Dattani, ED, Sanathan Textiles, said that the industry needs to overcome scale barriers through automation and significant investment.
Meanwhile, Biji Chacko, COO, Alok Industries, highlighted the need to combine automation with workforce skilling.
Shaleen Toshniwal, MD, Banswara Syntex Ltd., stressed that scale and automation remain important to sustainable growth, supported by PM MITRA infrastructure.
In addition, Debabrata Ghosh, VP, Barmag India, highlighted advanced machinery and technology as important tools for improving quality and competitiveness in the man-made fibre (MMF) segment.
Stronger and More Sustainable Value Chains
The second session, “Farm to Fashion: Stronger & Sustainable Value Chain,” examined ways to build integrated, resilient and sustainable textile value chains.
Experts discussed the shift towards higher value-added products and the need to strengthen India’s MMF ecosystem.
The session also highlighted globally recognised sustainability practices and government programmes such as PM MITRA and the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme.
Furthermore, panellists discussed collaborative infrastructure and common facilities. Such shared resources can help manufacturers improve efficiency and manage production costs.
FTAs and New Markets Offer Export Opportunities
The third session, “Diversifying Market Access: Leveraging FTAs & Exploring New Markets,” focused on expanding India’s presence across global textile markets.
Industry participants discussed opportunities linked to the India-UK FTA and the proposed India-EU trade agreement.
They also identified Africa, Latin America, West Asia and South-East Asia as potential growth markets. Therefore, companies will need to diversify their market presence while aligning product portfolios with regional demand.
Compliance will also remain important. Exporters need to meet market-specific standards and certification requirements as they enter new regions.
DGFT Highlights Global Export Potential
Shri R K Mishra, Additional DGFT, Directorate General of Foreign Trade, Mumbai, highlighted progress in implementing India’s FTAs.
He noted that these agreements could give Indian exporters greater market access compared with competitors from countries without similar trade arrangements.
He further noted that if India’s textile industry doubles its exports over the next five years, exports to the European Union alone could potentially increase by an estimated USD 7-10 billion.
Shri R K Mishra also encouraged textile companies to use e-commerce channels to reach international consumers. At the same time, he urged manufacturers to align production capabilities with changing global demand.
Shri Kumar Anshuman, General Manager, ECGC Ltd, encouraged textile exporters to participate with the support of ECGC and the risk cover it provides across global markets.
Building a Future-Ready Textile Ecosystem
The discussions at FICCI TAG 2026 highlighted the importance of policy support, innovation, sustainability and technology adoption for India’s textile sector.
At the same time, industry leaders stressed the need for strategic investment in modern manufacturing facilities, stronger value chains and skilled talent.
Market diversification will also play an important role. As India expands its trade relationships, textile companies can explore new markets while adapting products and production systems to regional requirements.
Overall, FICCI TAG 2026 highlighted a common industry focus on scale, automation, sustainable manufacturing, skilled talent and wider global market access.
These factors will remain central to India’s ambition to strengthen its position as a global textile and apparel sourcing hub.
The conference was supported by the Department of Textiles, Government of Maharashtra; ECGC, Grasim Industries, Revalyu, Barmag, Zydex, ATE Enterprise, with Wazir Advisors as Knowledge Partner.
