1st Task Force Meeting Held to Boost India’s Textile Exports

The Ministry of Commerce held the first meeting of the Task Force on Textiles Exports on 10th June 2025, under the chairmanship of Commerce Secretary Shri Sunil Barthwal at Vanijya Bhawan, Delhi. The initiative marks a strategic move by the Indian government to boost textile exports by addressing sectoral challenges, formulating unified strategies, and ensuring stakeholder collaboration. The meeting included top officials, exporters, and representatives from various Textile Export Promotion Councils and Industry Associations.

Why in News?

The first meeting of the newly constituted Task Force on Textiles Exports was held on June 10, 2025. Chaired by Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal, the meeting aimed to create a collaborative platform for improving India’s textile export performance. This comes amid global demand changes, ESG compliance requirements, and India’s ambition to align with the Viksit Bharat 2047 Vision.

Aim & Objectives of the Task Force

• Create a Unified Platform for issue resolution in the textile export sector.
• Promote collaborative stakeholder involvement—including ministries, EPCs, and industry leaders.
• Formulate strategic policy inputs and actionable solutions to improve India’s global textile export share.

Key Issues and Topics Discussed

Sustainability & ESG

• Upgradation of ESG infrastructure in manufacturing.
• Emphasis on renewable energy use.

Regulatory Challenges

• Compliance with EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).
• Simplification of existing regulatory frameworks.

E-commerce & Branding

• Boosting digital platforms for exports.
• Strengthening global branding of Indian textile products.

Support Measures Proposed

• Extension of Interest Subvention Schemes.
• Enhanced testing and certification support.
• Collateral support for MSME exporters.

Incentives & Schemes

• Issues related to RoDTEP, RoSCTL, and Duty Drawback.
• Importance of PM MITRA Parks.

Fibre & Product Innovation

• New Jute Diversified Products (JDPs).
• Separate HS Codes for GI-tagged products.
• Natural fibre productivity enhancement, especially for jute.

Participation and Next Steps

• Officials from the Department of Commerce, DGFT, Ministry of Textiles, and other key ministries attended.
• Industry stakeholders and exporters offered feedback and suggestions.
• Decision Taken: Creation of sub-task forces led by relevant ministries with EPC and industry representation to offer recommendations on discussed issues.

Significance

• A vital step in making Indian textiles globally competitive.
• Supports India’s long-term export growth goals and aligns with Viksit Bharat @2047 vision.
• Encourages sustainability, innovation, and digital growth in textiles.