Dear Friends,

The recent TEXPROCIL Export Awards Function remains fresh in our minds as a celebration of excellence, resilience, and renewed optimism for the future of India's cotton textile exports. The occasion was made especially memorable by the gracious presence of Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, Hon'ble Minister of Finance & Corporate Affairs, as the Chief Guest, alongside senior government officials, industry leaders, exporters, and stakeholders from across the textile value chain.

I express my sincere gratitude to Hon'ble Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman ji for taking time out of her demanding schedule to encourage our exporting community during a period of global uncertainty. 

I also extend my heartfelt thanks to Textile Commissioner Ms. Vrunda Manohar Desai, distinguished guests, members of the media, fellow exporters, and all participants whose presence contributed to the success of this landmark event.

Held on 25th May 2026 at The Leela, Mumbai, the Awards Function celebrated the achievements of our exporters while reaffirming confidence in the long-term growth prospects of India's textile sector. The event brought together some of the most respected names in the industry, providing an opportunity to recognise excellence and reflect on the path ahead.

As we celebrate these accomplishments, we must also remember that every achievement creates new opportunities and fresh responsibilities. As the global trade landscape evolves, we need to innovate, stay prepared, and work together to strengthen India's position in international markets.

Launch of TEXPROCIL ACPIT

In a significant step towards strengthening India's export ecosystem, TEXPROCIL, in collaboration with EXIM Institute, launched the Advanced Certificate Programme in International Trade (ACPIT) during the Export Awards Function. The programme was formally inaugurated by Hon'ble Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman.

As the Hon’ble Finance Minister observed, the Advanced Certificate Programme in International Trade launched by TEXPROCIL becomes even more important as international trade has become highly complex. MSMEs and exporters need knowledge of letter of credit, rules of origin, FTAs, anti-dumping provisions and trade finance instruments.

As India advances towards higher export targets and deeper integration with global value chains, such capacity-building and skill development initiatives will play a vital role in enhancing competitiveness and creating a stronger foundation for sustainable export growth. I encourage member companies to actively nominate their employees and take advantage of this unique learning opportunity.

Cotton Import Duty Exemption

The Government's decision to exempt raw cotton imports from the existing 11% customs duty and agriculture cess from 1st June to 31st October 2026 is a welcome and timely measure. TEXPROCIL, along with other industry bodies, had consistently represented the need for such relief in view of tightening domestic supplies and rising input costs.

The notification issued by the Ministry of Finance on 30th May 2026 is expected to improve access to competitively priced quality cotton from global markets, helping manufacturers manage costs and enhance export competitiveness. The measure comes at an important time when the industry is witnessing growing export opportunities while simultaneously facing supply-side challenges.

This temporary exemption will benefit the textile, apparel, and home textile sectors, particularly MSMEs, by easing cost pressures and supporting production planning without compromising the interests of domestic cotton growers.

On behalf of the industry, I convey our sincere appreciation to the Government for responding positively to this long-standing demand and providing meaningful support to the sector.

India–Oman CEPA

The India–Oman Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), signed on 18th December 2025, entered into force on 1st June 2026, marking a significant milestone in bilateral economic relations and trade cooperation.

I congratulate Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji for his visionary leadership in securing a comprehensive and forward-looking agreement that creates new opportunities for the Indian industry, including the textile sector.

Oman is India's second-largest trading partner in the Gulf region and serves as an important gateway to the wider GCC and East African markets through its modern logistics and port infrastructure. Bilateral trade between the two countries reached USD 11.18 billion in FY 2025-26, reflecting the growing strength of economic ties.

We also express our appreciation to Shri Piyush Goyal, Hon'ble Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, and Shri Giriraj Singh, Hon'ble Union Minister of Textiles, for their continued efforts to strengthen India's export ecosystem and expand market access for Indian exporters.

The CEPA reinforces India's strategy of building resilient and diversified trade partnerships that support manufacturing growth, employment generation, and deeper integration into global value chains.

USTR: Section 301 Report on Forced Labour

In a recent development, the US Trade Representative (USTR) has proposed a duty of 12.5% on imports of all products from countries that have not enacted forced-labour import prohibitions, including India. TEXPROCIL and its members have provided detailed submissions and evidence refuting the USTR allegations against India for not maintaining laws that prohibit the importation of forced labour goods.

While we await consideration of submissions already made to the USTR authorities, the Council may file comments on the report permitted till July 6, 2026, and consider virtual participation in the public hearing scheduled on July 7, 2026, by the USTR.

Knowledge Seminars @ TEXPROCIL

India's export aspirations require not only supportive policies but also a well-informed and professionally skilled exporter community. Recognising this need, TEXPROCIL continues to focus on knowledge dissemination and capacity-building initiatives that help exporters adapt to evolving global trade requirements.

As part of the Niryat Disha initiative, the Council has conducted a robust series of high-impact technical webinars for immediate handholding of exporters. Important topics covered include - Trade Compliance & Non-Tariff Barriers: EU regulation for textile exporters, newly announced Labour Codes, Financial Risk Management, etc. Webinars to create awareness on Government Schemes like RELIEF Scheme, ECLGS 5.0 Scheme, ZED Certification, AEO Program, MOOWR Scheme, etc. Taxation and Trade Logistics Workshops include those on navigating Recent Reforms in GST, Electronic Certificates of Origin (eCoO), Export Finance, FEMA, Credit Risk Management, EDPMS, etc.

The latest in the series includes a webinar organised on 29th May 2026 by the Council on the ECLGS 5.0 Scheme in association with NCGTC. The session provided exporters with valuable insights into the scheme's benefits and its role in facilitating access to credit support.

In the coming months, the Council remains committed to conducting similar programmes aimed at enhancing industry preparedness and strengthening India's export competitiveness. I urge members to actively participate in these programmes and leverage expert guidance to remain updated on emerging opportunities and challenges in global trade.

Kasturi Cotton Bharat Promotions

Under the national branding initiative Kasturi Cotton Bharat, TEXPROCIL continues to promote India's premium cotton identity through focused outreach, awareness campaigns, and stakeholder engagement programmes.

The Council's newsletter carries detailed reports on various promotional activities undertaken across the textile value chain to increase awareness and encourage adoption of the Kasturi Cotton Bharat brand. These efforts are aimed at enhancing the visibility, traceability, and value proposition of Indian cotton in domestic and international markets.

I sincerely urge all stakeholders to support this national initiative by actively promoting and adopting Kasturi Cotton Bharat across their operations and supply chains.

Way Forward

As the global trade environment continues to evolve, India's textile industry must focus on strengthening competitiveness through quality enhancement, market diversification, skill development, and sustainable growth practices. With supportive policy measures, expanding market access through trade agreements, and continued industry collaboration, we are well-positioned to convert emerging opportunities into long-term export growth.

Let us work together with confidence and determination to further strengthen India's position as a trusted and preferred sourcing destination for cotton textiles worldwide.

:: TEXPROCIL ::