The meeting between the Indian Technical Textile Association (ITTA) delegation and the Union Minister of Textiles, Shri Giriraj Singh, on 22nd August 2024, highlighted several key challenges and future needs of the technical textile industry in India. The discussion primarily focused on the availability of raw materials like specialty fibers and yarns, which are not produced in India but are crucial for high-end technical textile manufacturing. The delegation suggested that the government exempt specialized variants of Polyester Staple and IDY yarns from the Quality Control Orders (QCOs), which the Minister responded to positively, recommending further dialogue with the Ministry of Chemicals and Petrochemical (MCP).

Other important points raised during the meeting included the lack of BIS specifications for various high-tech fibers like Nylon 6.6, Meta and Para Aramids, UHMPE, and other materials. The industry sought exemption from curbs on the import of such fibers, which the Minister assured would be looked into.

The delegation also emphasized the need for mandatory procurement of technical textiles by government departments to boost domestic consumption and highlighted the importance of promoting Indian technical textiles at international and domestic events to ensure growth. Increasing per-capita consumption through the mandatory use of technical textile products in specific applications was also recommended.

The Minister shared the government’s future vision for the industry, particularly in integrating emerging technologies and leveraging schemes like NTTM and PLI for growth. The interaction reflected a strong engagement from the government and a commitment to finding practical solutions to the industry’s challenges.