Come forward with new vision, fulfil world’s needs: PM Modi to textile industry

Neeraj Mohan

New Delhi, February 26

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday inaugurated Bharat Tex 2024, a global textile event being held at Bharat Mandapam and Yasho Bhoomi in New Delhi.

With over 3,000 exhibitors from nearly 100 countries and 40,000 visitors, the event serves as a significant platform connecting tradition with technology and sustainability with scale.

Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister emphasised the multi-dimensional nature of Bharat Tex, connecting India’s rich textile history with modern talent and technology. He hailed the event as a manifestation of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’, showcasing diverse textile traditions from across the country.

Modi urged the industry to come forward with a new vision, diversify markets, and fulfil the world’s needs, emphasising the government’s role as a catalyst for realising these dreams.

The Prime Minister acknowledged the critical role of stakeholders in the textile value chain, especially weavers at the ground level, in the ‘Viksit Bharat’ initiative. He outlined the four pillars of ‘Viksit Bharat’—poor, youth, farmers and women— and stressed the event’s growing significance in this context.

In addressing employment and rural participation, the Prime Minister noted that seven out of 10 apparel makers are women, and steps taken in the last decade have strengthened khadi’s role in development and job creation.

Highlighting the government’s efforts, the Prime Minister detailed the focus on tradition, technology, talent and training in the textiles sector. He introduced the concept of Five Fs—Farm to Fiber, Fiber to Factory, Factory to Fashion, Fashion to Foreign—aimed at streamlining the entire value chain.

He discussed initiatives to support the MSME sector, including a revised definition to ensure continued benefits post-growth. He also touched upon direct sales, exhibitions and online portals bridging the gap between artisans and the market.