Minister of State for Textiles, Pabitra Margherita, inaugurated the 73rd Edition of the India International Garment Fair (IIGF) at Yashobhoomi, New Delhi on Tuesday, marking another milestone for India’s apparel sector. Organized by the Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC), the three-day fair is Asia’s largest garment event, featuring over 360 exhibitors and attracting buyers from 80 countries across North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia, Oceania, Africa, and Eurasia.
Speaking at the inauguration of India International Garment Fair, Minister Margherita emphasized the critical role of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) in expanding India’s textile exports. He highlighted ongoing negotiations with the UK, EU, and US, noting that these high-value, quality-conscious markets will open new avenues for growth. “We are committed to equipping Indian exporters with the right strategy, standards, and compliance to seize these opportunities,” he said.
The minister also shared at India International Garment Fair that India’s textile and apparel industry currently contributes 2.3% to the country’s GDP, 13% to industrial production, and 12% to total exports. In 2023–24 alone, textile product exports reached USD 34.4 billion, with apparel accounting for 42% of this figure. He outlined an ambitious goal to increase textile exports to USD 100 billion by 2030, stressing the essential role of every MSME, entrepreneur, and exporter in achieving this target.
Margherita underscored the importance of supporting the largely MSME-driven textile sector by boosting productivity, ensuring steady raw material supply, and reducing import dependence to remain globally competitive. He also praised IIGF as a showcase of not just fabrics and fashion, but also India’s creativity and craftsmanship.
AEPC Chairman Sudhir Sekhri, addressing attendees, noted that India International Garment Fair offers a strong platform for Indian apparel exporters to build ‘Made in India’ brands and strengthen global partnerships. “With the right policy push, innovation, and global collaborations, this could be the decade where India emerges not just as a volume player, but as a value-added global garment exports powerhouse,” he said.
He added that India’s garment exports are projected to reach USD 40 billion by 2030, with the sector already showing strong momentum. Apparel exports recorded a 12.8% cumulative growth in the first two months of 2025–26, reflecting resilience despite global challenges such as conflicts in the Middle East and Europe, logistical hurdles, and market uncertainties.
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