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Weaving the Future: India’s technical textiles revolution
The technical textiles revolution is not just an industrial transformation; it is a national imperative, state Mohan Ramaswamy.
For centuries, India has been synonymous with textiles, its looms weaving together a rich legacy of craftsmanship and commerce. Today, as the global economy pivots towards high-performance materials, a new frontier has emerged—technical textiles. No longer confined to aesthetics, these engineered fabrics are redefining industries, from infrastructure and healthcare to defence and agriculture. India’s technical textiles sector, valued at $29 billion in FY2024, is now at the heart of this transformation, fuelled by innovation, government initiatives, and rising global demand.
Driving India’s technical textile revolution
As the fifth-largest technical textiles market globally, India is rapidly adapting to the demand for performance-driven fabrics. Unlike conventional textiles that emphasize comfort and style, technical textiles are valued for their durability, functionality, and specialised applications—from fire-resistant gear for firefighters to geotextiles reinforcing national infrastructure. Recognising its strategic importance and unexplored potential, the Government of India launched the National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM) in 2020-21, aiming to position India as a global leader in this sector. The Rs 14.80 billion initiative accelerates research, market expansion, and skill development, ensuring India’s competitiveness on a global scale.
With a goal of exporting Rs 874.50 billion worth of technical textiles by FY2026, the government has reinforced its commitment through increased budgetary allocations. The Budget 2025-26 earmarked Rs 52.72 billion for the Ministry of Textiles, a 19 per cent increase from the previous year, signalling a strong push for textile innovation and industry-wide growth.
India has historically dominated the global textile market with cotton-based products, but globally, there is a higher demand for Manmade Fibres (MMF), particularly in technical textiles. MMF or synthetic fibres, favoured for their versatility, durability, and high-performance capabilities, are driving industry trends. To stay competitive, India must scale up domestic MMF production and reduce its reliance on imports.
Beyond policy support, private sector investments in capacity expansion and technological advancements are accelerating India’s rise in global technical textile exports. Since FY2019, exports have grown at a 5.3 per cent CAGR, strengthening India’s position in international markets. With continued innovation and strategic investments, technical textiles have the potential to shape India’s industrial future.
India’s potential across key segments
India’s technical textiles industry spans multiple segments. Packtech, the largest sub-sector, accounts for 44 per cent of the domestic market, driven by demand for flexible packaging materials, woven sacks, and industrial wrapping fabrics. With e-commerce and retail expanding, this segment is poised for further growth.
In Indutech, contributing 11 per cent to the market, India is advancing in high-performance industrial textiles used in conveyor belts, filtration systems, and industrial safety gear. As ‘Make in India’ strengthens manufacturing, this segment is expected to see significant expansion.
Hometech, accounting for 11 per cent of India’s technical textiles market, includes essential products like pillows, mattresses, blinds, mosquito nets, and carpet backing cloth. With rising urbanisation and evolving lifestyles, the demand for high-performance home furnishings, smart textiles, and durable upholstery is driving innovation and expansion in this segment.
Mobiltech, which includes automotive textiles like airbags, seatbelt fabrics, and upholstery materials, is another promising sector. With the rapid expansion of the Indian automobile and auto components industry and stricter safety regulations, the demand for these textiles is expected to surge.
Similarly, Meditech, covering surgical disposables, implantable textiles, and healthcare-related fabrics, is gaining traction due to increased healthcare spending and heightened hygiene awareness post-pandemic. India has already showcased its ability to scale up in this segment. During the COVID-19 pandemic, India significantly increased its production of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including masks. From an actual shortage, it managed to become the world’s second-largest manufacturer of PPE coveralls in 2020.
Geotech, used in infrastructure projects like roads, railways, and dam construction, also presents significant opportunities. Government mandates on geotextiles in public projects are expected to drive demand. Protech, which includes protective textiles such as bulletproof vests, industrial gloves, and flame-resistant apparel, is another fast-growing area, especially with the increasing focus on worker and defence safety.
With India’s diverse climatic conditions and large agricultural sector, Agrotech, covering shade nets, crop covers, and irrigation textiles, is also highly promising. As advanced farming practices evolve, the demand for technical textiles in agriculture will continue to grow.
Challenges looming large
Despite its impressive growth trajectory, the industry faces substantial hurdles that could impede progress. Technical textile penetration in India remains at 5–10 per cent, significantly lower than the 30–70 per cent adoption rates seen in developed economies. A key challenge is India’s dependence on high-end imported machinery, increasing costs for domestic manufacturers. However, to encourage modernisation, the government has removed the Basic Customs Duty (BCD) on two more types of shuttle-less looms, reducing costs for high-quality textile machinery.
A shortage of skilled professionals and limited R&D investment have also hindered innovation. To unlock the industry’s full potential, India must adopt a multi-pronged strategy—expanding R&D initiatives, strengthening local manufacturing capabilities, and building a highly skilled workforce. Bridging these gaps will enhance India’s self-reliance and strengthen its position in the global technical textile market.
The industry at a crossroads
As technical textiles gain traction, one pressing priority is building a resilient and self-sufficient supply chain, particularly for raw materials such as Kevlar, Nomex, and carbon composites. Reducing dependence on imports will enhance industry stability and cost efficiency.
At the same time, global sustainability trends offer India an opportunity to lead in eco-friendly technical textiles. With increasing emphasis on biodegradable and recyclable materials, Indian manufacturers, with the right incentives, can set new sustainability benchmarks.
Beyond sustainability, the integration of AI, IoT, and automation in textile manufacturing is revolutionising the industry. Smart textiles—fabrics embedded with sensors and interactive properties—are reshaping sectors like sports, healthcare, and defence. To remain competitive, Indian manufacturers must prioritise digital transformation.
Equally important is empowering Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), which constitute 80 per cent of India’s textile sector. Offering financial assistance, technology access, and training programs will enable these businesses to contribute more effectively to the industry’s growth.
The road to global leadership
India’s path to global leadership in technical textiles requires policy support, industrial investment, and workforce development. By 2026, the market is projected to reach $45 billion, and by 2047, $309 billion, with exports expected to rise from $6 billion to $50 billion.
However, these projections hinge on consistent investment in R&D. Establishing dedicated R&D hubs will foster cutting-edge advancements in textile engineering. Additionally, state-of-the-art testing facilities and compliance centres will ensure that Indian technical textiles meet global standards, enhancing export potential.
To further bolster India’s competitiveness, export policies must be tailored to facilitate trade, reduce tariff barriers, and create market-expansion incentives. International collaborations and trade agreements will open new doors, solidifying India’s global footprint in technical textiles.
The tapestry of transformation
The technical textiles revolution is not just an industrial transformation; it is a national imperative. With India standing at a crucial juncture, the steps taken today will determine its position in the global hierarchy of advanced textile manufacturing. As the country weaves its path towards a $309 billion technical textiles industry by 2047, the interplay of policy, innovation, and industry collaboration will be instrumental in shaping a resilient, self-reliant, and globally competitive technical textiles ecosystem.
About the author:
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Mohan Ramaswamy, Founder and CEO, Rubix, has an overall experience of 25 years, working with leading MNCs. Prior to setting up Rubix, Mohan headed the LexisNexis business for India and South Asia, transforming the company into one of the most respected brands in the Indian Legal Information world. He drove organic and inorganic growth at LexisNexis and executed several prestigious projects, including with the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).