The just concluded Bharat Tex 2024, held from February 26th to 29th in New Delhi, proved to be a resounding success solidifying India's position as a global leader in the textile, apparel, and fashion industry. Organized by a consortium of 11 Textile Export Promotion Councils and supported by the Ministry of Textiles, the event served as a powerful platform to showcase India's prowess in the global textile, apparel, and fashion industry.
India's textile strength on display
As Union Minister of Textiles, Piyush Goyal, remarked during the event's inauguration, "Historically, textiles have a unique relationship with the development of civilization, and India has had a unique leadership position in the world for textiles." Bharat Tex 2024 served as a testament to this legacy, attracting leading manufacturers, exporters, and fashion enthusiasts from across the globe. This four-day event spread across nearly two million sq ft area, showcasing the entire textile value chain, attracted policymakers and global CEOs, 3,500 exhibitors, 3,000 buyers from 111 countries and over one lakh trade visitors.
Along with exhibitions showcasing the latest innovations in textile manufacturing, there were dedicated segments highlighting India's rich heritage of handlooms and traditional crafts. Visitors were treated to exquisite displays of Gadwal, Narayanpet, and Pochampalli weaves, alongside breathtaking displays of Banjara art and Bidri metalwork. As Rajesh Agarwal, Secretary, Ministry of Textiles said, "Bharat Tex 2024 is a welcome initiative...not just for showcasing India's unique textile products to the world but also as a platform for attracting investments into the textile and apparel sector."
Knowledge sharing and networking
Bharat Tex also emerged as a launch pad for various initiatives and projects such as IndiaTEX, launch of Textile Grand Innovation Challenge, announcement of 63 MoUs with international institutions focusing on collaboration in research, innovation, entrepreneurship, new product development, skilling and sustainability. The event also fostered knowledge sharing and industry collaboration through a series of seminars, thematic discussions, and government-to-government (G2G) meetings. Business-to-Business (B2B) networking events provided a platform for forging new partnerships and exploring business opportunities.
In fact, one of the event's key strengths was its focus on business development. B2B networking events facilitated connections between international buyers and Indian manufacturers, fostering new partnerships and trade opportunities. The signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) further underscored the event's role in propelling the Indian textile industry forward.
A celebration of sustainability
Sustainability was a major theme at Bharat Tex 2024, reflecting growing global concerns about environmental impact. Several exhibitors showcased eco-friendly fabrics and production processes, while seminars explored strategies for promoting responsible textile manufacturing. As a leading industry expert at the event said, "India's textile industry has a crucial role to play in leading the shift towards a more sustainable future"
The event also saw the launch of new products and collections by leading Indian textile and fashion brands. This not only generated excitement but also served as a launchpad for future trends in the global market.
The success of Bharat Tex 2024 paves the way for a brighter future for the Indian textile industry. As AEPC chairman Sudhir Sekhri said, “After the culmination of Bharat Tex 2024, the world’s largest textile show, we can proudly say this was a whopping success.” The Bharat Tex Expo will be an annual affair, he added
The event not only generated significant business leads but also positioned India as a leader in innovation and sustainability. As the industry moves forward, the focus will likely be on capitalizing on this momentum, attracting investments, and further integrating traditional crafts with modern technology.
