National Textiles Ministers’ Conference 2026 Guwahati

The National Textiles Ministers’ Conference 2026 commenced on January 8 in Guwahati, organized by the Ministry of Textiles in collaboration with the Government of Assam. This two-day conference brings together Textile Ministers and senior officials from all States and Union Territories to deliberate on the strategic future direction of India’s textile sector amid evolving global and domestic challenges. The conference represents a critical institutional mechanism for aligning federal and state policies, sharing best practices, and charting a unified course toward positioning India as a global textile manufacturing hub by 2030. Held under the theme “India’s Textiles: Weaving Growth, Heritage & Innovation,” the conference embodies India’s commitment to simultaneous economic development and cultural preservation.

Key Facts for Competitive Exams and Current Affairs

• Event: National Textiles Ministers’ Conference 2026
• Location: Guwahati, Assam
• Duration: Two days (January 8-9, 2026)
• Organizing Bodies: Ministry of Textiles and Government of Assam
• Conference Theme: “India’s Textiles: Weaving Growth, Heritage & Innovation”
• Union Minister of Textiles: Giriraj Singh
• Assam Chief Minister: Himanta Biswa Sarma
• Minister of State for Textiles: Pabitra Margherita
• Strategic Vision: Global textile manufacturing hub by 2030
• Guiding Ethos: “Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi” (Development and Heritage)
• Flagship Initiative: PM MITRA Parks (PM Mega Integrated Textile Regions and Apparel Parks)

Strategic Vision: Global Manufacturing Hub 2030

Positioning India as a Textile Powerhouse

The conference aligns with the Government of India’s ambitious vision of positioning India as a global textile manufacturing hub by 2030. This strategic objective recognizes India’s historical significance in textiles, abundant raw material resources, skilled labor force, and growing manufacturing capabilities. By 2030, India aims to capture a substantially larger share of global textile trade, establishing itself as a preferred sourcing destination for quality textiles at competitive prices.

“Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi” Philosophy

The guiding ethos of “Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi” (Development and Heritage) encapsulates India’s commitment to pursuing economic growth while simultaneously preserving its rich textile heritage. This principle ensures that industrial expansion and export-oriented production do not come at the expense of traditional knowledge systems, handloom practices, and cultural textile traditions.

Inaugural Session and Exhibition Highlights

High-Level Participation

The inaugural session on January 8 was attended by Union Minister of Textiles Giriraj Singh, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Minister of State for Textiles Pabitra Margherita, and other senior dignitaries. This high-level participation underscores the national importance accorded to textile sector development.

Heritage and Innovation Showcase

The opening session featured an exhibition and pavilion showcasing India’s textile heritage, innovation, and manufacturing capabilities. This multifaceted presentation demonstrated:

• Traditional handloom and handicraft techniques
• Contemporary textile manufacturing innovations
• Modern technology applications in textile production
• Sustainable and eco-friendly textile practices

Key Policy and Sectoral Deliberations

Comprehensive Conference Agenda

The conference encompassed multiple specialized sessions addressing critical sectoral dimensions:

• Infrastructure and Investment: Discussions on expanding textile manufacturing infrastructure and attracting domestic and foreign investment.
• Export Expansion: Deliberations on enhancing India’s textile exports and accessing new international markets.
• Raw Materials and Fibres: Sessions addressing sustainable sourcing of natural and synthetic fibres, supply chain development, and raw material security.
• Technical Textiles: Exploration of high-value technical textile segments including medical textiles, protective wear, and industrial textiles.
• New-Age Fibres: Discussions on emerging fibre technologies including sustainable alternatives and bio-based textiles.
• Handlooms and Handicrafts Preservation: Dedicated focus on protecting and promoting India’s traditional textile sectors.

Flagship Initiatives

PM MITRA Parks: Special emphasis on the PM Mega Integrated Textile Regions and Apparel (PM MITRA) Parks, which aim to create integrated textile value chains—from raw material processing through manufacturing to export—within designated geographic regions. These parks are designed to attract investment, generate employment, and enhance India’s global competitiveness.

Sustainability and Environmental Compliance: Conference sessions addressed sustainable textile production practices and environmental compliance requirements, ensuring that growth aligns with ecological responsibility.

Integrated Value-Chain Development: Discussions focused on strengthening entire textile value chains from production through distribution.

North-Eastern Regional Focus: Unlocking Textile Potential

Dedicated Regional Conclave

A dedicated conclave titled “Strengthening and Empowering the Textiles Sector of the North-Eastern Region of India” was held on January 8. This regional focus recognizes the distinct textile heritage and untapped potential of North-Eastern states.

Regional Textile Specialties

The conclave emphasized:

• Silk Varieties: Eri, Muga, and Mulberry silk—distinctive silk types produced in the North-East with unique characteristics and market appeal.
• Handlooms and Handicrafts: Traditional textile production methods and artisanal products representing irreplaceable cultural heritage.
• Bamboo-Based Textiles: Emerging opportunities in sustainable bamboo fiber textiles, leveraging the region’s bamboo resources.
• Women-Led Enterprises: Recognition and support for women entrepreneurs in the textile sector.
• Branding and Market Access: Strategies for connecting North-Eastern artisans with national and international markets.

Centre-State Collaboration and Future Roadmap

The conference provided a platform for states and Union Territories to share best practices, articulate policy challenges, and present regional strategies for strengthening their textile ecosystems. The deliberations aim to lay out a unified roadmap for developing a competitive, sustainable, and inclusive textile sector that benefits both large-scale manufacturers and traditional artisans.