Dear Friends,

As I stand before you today at the conclusion of my tenure as Chairman of TEXPROCIL, I do so with a deep sense of gratitude, humility, and fulfilment.

The past two years have been among the most challenging and transformative periods for the global textile industry. We have navigated geopolitical uncertainties, shifting trade policies, fluctuating demand, sustainability imperatives, and rapidly evolving sourcing patterns. Yet through all these challenges, one thing has remained constant: the resilience, determination, and entrepreneurial spirit of India’s cotton textile industry.

When I assumed office on 29th October 2024, I believed that TEXPROCIL’s role had to extend beyond traditional export promotion. We needed to help the industry anticipate change, strengthen competitiveness, embrace innovation, and create new opportunities in an increasingly dynamic global marketplace.

I am proud that our collective efforts have focused on market diversification, policy advocacy, international promotion, branding, sustainability, capacity building, and strengthening the global position of Indian cotton textiles.

Expanding Global Market Opportunities

One of our key priorities was expanding global market opportunities for our members. TEXPROCIL strengthened India’s presence across Europe, the United Kingdom, Japan, Australia, Russia, Africa, and Latin America. Through participation in premier international exhibitions such as Heimtextil, Texworld Evolution Paris, Première Vision Paris, Yarn Expo Shanghai, and VIATT Vietnam, we created new avenues for business, investment, and technology partnerships.

The implementation of landmark agreements such as the India-EFTA TEPA and the India-UK CETA opens a new chapter for Indian textile exports. These agreements present significant opportunities, and TEXPROCIL will continue advocating for greater market access and a level playing field for Indian exporters.

Strengthening Policy Advocacy

Policy advocacy remained another major pillar of our work. We maintained continuous engagement with various Ministries and Government agencies on issues affecting competitiveness, including raw cotton availability, export incentives, taxation, logistics, finance, technology upgradation, and ease of doing business.

I was particularly honoured to chair the Committee on Structural Reforms in the Textile Value Chain, constituted by the Ministry of Textiles. The committee’s recommendations addressed critical issues of integration, productivity, sustainability, supply-chain efficiency, and value addition. It is gratifying that these recommendations contributed meaningfully to the formulation of the Export Promotion Mission, announced in the Union Budget 2025-26, which seeks to strengthen India’s export competitiveness, especially for MSMEs and first-time exporters.

Kasturi Cotton Bharat

Among the initiatives closest to my heart has been Kasturi Cotton Bharat.

I firmly believe that every great textile-producing nation possesses a globally recognised identity for its cotton. India deserves the same. Over the past two years, TEXPROCIL has worked extensively to promote Kasturi Cotton Bharat on the pillars of Quality, Traceability, and Sustainability.

From international showcases in Paris to awareness programmes across India, our objective has been clear: to establish Kasturi Cotton Bharat as a trusted global symbol of premium Indian cotton. I sincerely urge all stakeholders across the value chain to continue supporting and adopting this important national initiative.

Bharat Tex 2026

We also played an active role in strengthening Bharat Tex as a truly global platform for India’s textile and apparel industry. The success of Bharat Tex 2026 demonstrated India’s ability to bring the entire textile value chain together under one roof and showcase not only our manufacturing strength but also our innovation, sustainability, craftsmanship, and integrated capabilities.

Sustainability and Digital Readiness

Sustainability has become one of the defining themes of modern trade. Under my tenure, TEXPROCIL intensified its focus on sustainability, traceability, and circularity. We engaged with leading international organisations and explored opportunities in recycled fibres and sustainable materials.

I am particularly pleased that TEXPROCIL partnered with Control Union Certifications and RePut.ai to develop an innovative digital ecosystem integrating sustainability, certification, compliance, and traceability data to enable Digital Product Passports. Initiatives such as these will help our members stay ahead of evolving global requirements and strengthen market access.

Knowledge and Capacity Building

Another area I have been passionate about is knowledge and capacity building.

Export competitiveness today is driven as much by knowledge as by production capacity. With this belief, TEXPROCIL expanded its webinars, seminars, and executive learning programmes.

The launch of the Advanced Certificate Programme in International Trade (ACPIT) and the Generative AI Masterclass Series reflects our commitment to equipping exporters with new skills and future-ready capabilities.

Institutional and Global Engagement

Our engagement with Government, overseas missions, international buyers, trade associations, and institutions also remained strong. Outreach initiatives in Japan, London, and Manchester helped strengthen discussions on trade partnerships, sustainability, investment, and technology collaboration.

Resilience and the Road Ahead

During this period, India’s textile and apparel industry demonstrated admirable resilience. Despite global headwinds, India’s textiles and apparel exports, including handicrafts, recorded growth during FY 2025-26. While international conditions remain challenging, India’s long-term prospects remain strong.

The future belongs to those who innovate, diversify, and adapt. Global supply chains are undergoing significant restructuring, and India has a historic opportunity to emerge as a preferred sourcing destination. To seize this opportunity, we must continue investing in value addition, sustainability, technology adoption, traceability, branding, and product innovation.

A Note of Gratitude

As I demit office today, I would like to place on record my sincere gratitude to the Ministry of Textiles, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Agriculture, DGFT, Indian Missions abroad, State Governments, and all Government agencies for their guidance, encouragement, and support.

I extend my heartfelt appreciation to every member of TEXPROCIL for the trust you placed in me.

I would also like to thank Shri Ravi Sam, Vice Chairman; the members of the Committee of Administration; Dr. Siddhartha Rajagopal, Executive Director; and the entire staff in the TEXPROCIL team. Also would like to thank my predecessor Shri Sunil Patwari ji who enhanced my knowledge on Cotton fibre and spinning. My thanks to Shri Amit Ruparelia and Shri Manoj Patodia our past chairmen for their valuable and timely guidance. Whatever we have achieved has been the result of collective effort, shared vision, and unwavering commitment.

Looking Ahead

As I leave this office, I do so with confidence in the future of TEXPROCIL and of India’s cotton textile industry.

The foundations have been strengthened, but the journey ahead is even more exciting. Let us work towards a future where “Made in India” is universally recognised as a symbol of quality, reliability, sustainability, innovation, and trust.

It has been a privilege and an honour to serve this great industry. I thank each one of you for your support, friendship, and cooperation throughout this journey.

I leave with immense satisfaction, cherished memories, and optimism for what lies ahead.

May TEXPROCIL continue to grow from strength to strength, and may the Indian textile industry achieve even greater global recognition and success in the years to come.

Thank you

Jai Hind.

:: TEXPROCIL ::