By TIOL News Service

NEW DELHI, SEP 07, 2024: CONFIDENT that India's technical textile industry will cross the target of USD10 bn set for 2030. This was stated by Union Minister of Textiles, Giriraj Singh during the inauguration of the international conference-cum-exhibition titled 'Viksit Bharat- Technical Textiles for Sustainable Growth & Development' yesterday in New Delhi.

The Union Minister emphasised the increasing consumption and importance of man-made fibres and technical textiles in all spaces of life, at both a global and domestic level. Singh also launched the Compendium of the National Technical Textiles Mission and also awarded confirmation certificates to 11 approved Start-Ups under NTTM.

The Union Minister stated that the Government is fully dedicated in the development of the technical textiles industry of India and has taken various steps such as launch of National Technical Textiles Mission, PLI Scheme for MMF Fabric, Apparel and Technical Textiles.

Highlighting the key initiatives taken under the NTTM mission, the Union Minister stated that 156 research projects have been sanctioned including development of carbon fibres and support to start-ups under different areas of technical textiles. He emphasised on the potential of Meditech, especially hygiene products as a major contributor in achieving this target.

He displayed confidence in the ability of the local industry, government and stakeholders in the development of High-Performance Fibres that have huge applications in different field including aerospace, automobile and construction. Concluding his speech, the Union Minister reiterated the complete support of the government to become a global leader and the largest manufacturer and market of technical textiles.

Singh also launched the Compendium of the National Technical Textiles Mission and also awarded confirmation certificates to 11 approved Start-Ups under NTTM.

The international conference was organised by Ministry of Textiles in association with Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) and Indian Technical Textile Association (ITTA) at The Ashok Hotel - New Delhi, India under its flagship scheme National Technical Textiles Mission.

Union Minister of State for Textiles, Pabitra Margherita stated that the nation is advancing towards becoming Atmanirbhar in all sectors including Technical Textiles. He also mentioned that multiple state governments have taken initiatives for promoting investments, including FDI, in the technical textiles industry and urged other states to do the same.

Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, Rachna Shah emphasised the role of technical textiles in Viksit Bharat. Highlighting the large market opportunity in technical textiles, the Secretary stated that the global trade of technical textiles is around USD300 bn, while India's domestic market size stands at USD25 bn with an export of USD2.6 bn. Talking about the National Technical Textiles Mission, she mentioned that high focus on introducing standards, Quality Control Orders, and interdepartmental collaboration is being given under the mission.

Dr. S Somanath highlighted the importance of composites and high-performance fibres in the area of aerospace and the lack of commercial production facilities of these products in India which leads to high import reliance. He urged the industry and stakeholder to carry out large scale investments in this sector, including the development of complex machinery to not only cater the local demand but also tap the large global market.

Joint Secretary and Mission Coordinator, NTTM, Rajeev Saxena provided an overview of the policy initiatives and support being provided under six guidelines of the NTTM. He also shared the progress made so far in the mission including release of Quality Control Order for 57 technical textiles items, including QCO on fire retardant furniture fabrics, inclusion of 37 new HSN Codes under the ambit of technical textiles.

The inaugural session of the conference was attended by Pabitra Margherita, Union Minister of State for Textiles, Ms. Rachna Shah, Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, and Dr. S Somanath, Chairman, ISRO and Secretary, Department of Space. Day 1 of the conference included 4 panel discussions on the area of employment, innovation, social impact and future direction of the technical textile industry. The panel discussions saw participations from government representatives, industry leaders, representatives of research organizations and start-up founders.