The shifting global appetite for Indian Textiles: Trends and Opportunities

Whether you’re a student, a young professional, or an aspiring entrepreneur, this sector offers a chance to innovate, create jobs, and shapes a sustainable future, informs Rajeev Gupta.

Imagine an industry woven into India’s DNA, from the ancient looms of the Indus Valley to the handwoven khadi of our freedom struggle. Today, India’s textile sector is a powerhouse, employing over 45 million people making it the second-largest job creator after agriculture. It fuels 2 per cent of our GDP, 10 per cent of industrial production, and 8 per cent of exports. Yet, this vibrant industry is at a crossroads: our youth, the torchbearers of India’s future, are looking elsewhere towards tech, fintech, or clean energy for their dream careers. As someone deeply rooted in this sector, I believe it’s time to reimagine textile manufacturing as a cutting-edge, future-ready career path that speaks to your ambitions.

A legacy ready for a modern makeover

Let’s face it: textiles are often seen as “traditional” or “low-tech.” But that’s a myth we need to bust. This industry is transforming with Artificial Intelligence (AI), automation, sustainable practices, and technical textiles that are revolutionizing everything from fashion to aerospace. Think smart fabrics, eco-friendly production, and global supply chains powered by innovation. The problem? These exciting advancements haven’t reached the spotlight they deserve. Unlike tech startups with their unicorn stories, textiles lack the buzz to capture our imagination. But that’s about to change.

The textile industry isn’t just about jobs it’s about opportunity. It’s a sector where you can innovate, lead, and make a tangible impact on India’s economy and its global standing. For young minds passionate about ‘Make in India’ and ‘Skill India,’ this is our chance to shape a legacy.

Skills for a new era

To seize these opportunities, we need to rethink how we prepare young talent for this industry. Right now, our education system isn’t keeping up. Top engineering and management institutes rarely offer programs in advanced textile technology, sustainable manufacturing, or smart supply chains fields where the future of textiles lies. Polytechnics and vocational centers teach outdated curricula, leaving graduates unprepared for an industry racing to meet global standards.

This gap is a challenge, but also an opportunity. Picture mastering AI-driven design, creating sustainable fabrics, or leading global textile supply chains. These aren’t distant dreams they’re roles the industry needs now. But we need premier institutes to step up with cutting-edge courses and hands-on training. The Ministry of Textiles and Education must collaborate with industry to create incubators and programs that empower students with the skills to innovate and compete.

Why India risks falling behind and how you can change that

Globally, textiles are undergoing a high-tech revolution. Countries like Vietnam and Bangladesh are modernizing fast, investing in automation and skilled talent. India, despite its legacy, faces a shortage of professionals trained in these technologies. Without action, we risk losing our edge in the global market. That’s where young minds come in. By embracing careers in textiles, one can drive innovation, create sustainable solutions, and keep India at the forefront of this over $1 trillion global industry.

Weaving a new future together

To make textiles your career of choice, we need a bold, collective push. Here’s how we can do it:

• Rebrand the Industry: Let’s showcase textiles as a hub of innovation. Picture national campaigns highlighting young trailblazers creating AI-powered textiles or sustainable fashion startups.
• Revamp Education: Premier institutes must offer specialized courses in technical textiles, AI-driven production, and circular manufacturing. Textile parks should partner with colleges to give students real-world exposure.
• Ignite Entrepreneurship: We need startup ecosystems, funding platforms, and mentorship networks to lower barriers for young innovators like you. Imagine launching your own sustainable textile venture!
• Inspire Through Stories: National contests, fellowships, and platforms celebrating young disruptors can show you the endless possibilities in textiles.

A call to weave the future differently

India’s textile industry isn’t just a legacy it’s a launchpad for your ambitions. Whether you’re a student, a young professional, or an aspiring entrepreneur, this sector offers a chance to innovate, create jobs, and shape a sustainable future. Let’s work together government, industry, and academia to make textiles a career that excites and inspires. Let’s together weave the future of India’s textile industry in redefining what’s possible. 

About the author:

Rajeev Gupta serves as the Joint Managing Director (JMD) of RSWM Limited, the flagship company of the LNJ Bhilwara Group and one of India’s largest textile manufacturers. With over 30 years of extensive experience across the textile, home textile, and pulp & paper industries, Gupta is renowned for his strategic vision, operational expertise, and ability to drive transformative business growth.

In his current role, Gupta leads RSWM’s strategic initiatives, focusing on innovation, operational excellence, and sustainability. He is spearheading efforts to adopt advanced technologies, enhance efficiencies, and strengthen the company’s competitive position in both domestic and international markets. Under his leadership, RSWM is poised to achieve significant milestones in revenue growth, market expansion, and sustainable value creation for stakeholders.