Bharat Tex 2026 Day 2 Highlights State Textile Initiatives and India’s Global Trade & FTA Agenda
State sessions, FTA discussions and sustainability initiatives shaped the second day of Bharat Tex 2026, with a focus on investment, manufacturing and international textile value chains.
The second day of Bharat Tex 2026 featured a series of discussions centred on state-led industrial development, investment opportunities and India's expanding textile trade partnerships. The event, taking place from 14 to 17 July 2026, continued to serve as a platform connecting India's textile heritage, manufacturing capabilities, innovation and international markets.
One of the key sessions was the Uttar Pradesh State Session, organised by the Government of Uttar Pradesh, which outlined the state's textile ecosystem and opportunities across manufacturing, apparel, handloom, handicrafts and other segments of the textile value chain. Shri Rakesh Sachan, Minister for Handloom and Textiles, Government of Uttar Pradesh, and Shri Ravindra Jaiswal, Minister of Stamp and Court Fee and Registration, Government of Uttar Pradesh, were the key dignitaries associated with the session.
The programme also included the Karnataka State Session, organised by the Government of Karnataka, where the state's textile and apparel capabilities, industrial base and opportunities for manufacturing and sourcing expansion were presented.
The Government of Maharashtra organised a session titled "Maharashtra: An Attractive Global Destination for Technical Textiles in India." Shri Sanjay Savkare, Minister of Textiles, Government of Maharashtra, was the key dignitary associated with the session. The discussion focused on Maharashtra's technical textile ecosystem, technology-driven manufacturing opportunities and its role in attracting investment. It also highlighted the increasing importance of high-performance and specialised textile products in India's industrial development.
International trade and Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) formed another major part of the day's programme. The session "Scaling Through Synergy: Building Local Capability to Power Global Textile Value Chains," organised by ITMF & ASSOCHAM, examined ways to strengthen domestic capabilities and improve the integration of Indian enterprises into global textile value chains.
Another roundtable, "India's FTA Moment: Gateway for Textile Value Chains, Market Access and Sourcing Decisions," organised by Deloitte, explored how India's Free Trade Agreements could create opportunities for textile and apparel manufacturers, exporters and sourcing organisations. The discussion addressed market access, value-chain integration and sourcing decisions in the evolving global trade environment.
Indian designers Rahul Mishra and Vaishali Shadangule participated in the discussion titled "Global Ambitions: Redefining Retail Growth Beyond Borders," which focused on Brand India. The programme also included a fireside conversation by NIFT on "Building Global Fashion Enterprises from India: Innovation, Sustainability and Scale."
A ministerial discussion titled "India–UK CETA in Action: Shaping the Future of Textile Trade and Investment," organised by Deloitte, examined opportunities emerging from the India–UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement and its potential to support textile trade, investment and business partnerships between the two countries.
The session "Beyond China: Building Tariff-Safe, Compliant & Traceable Hemp Supply Chains for Global Markets," organised by Heartland Industries, focused on diversified and traceable supply chains. Discussions covered tariff preparedness, compliance and traceability to support Indian businesses serving international markets.
The CITI Textile Sustainability Awards 2026 were also held during the day, recognising responsible business practices across seven focus areas: Resource Efficiency, Energy & Emissions, Circular Economy, Sustainable Materials, Social Responsibility, Responsible Business and Industry Collaboration.
The organisers also announced that Dr. Mohan Yadav, Hon'ble Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, will visit Day 3 of the event to interact with exhibitors, encourage entrepreneurs and visit the Madhya Pradesh Pavilion.
Through these sessions, the second day of Bharat Tex 2026 focused on the role of State Governments in strengthening textile ecosystems while supporting India's engagement with global markets. The discussions covered investment, manufacturing, trade partnerships and the use of emerging opportunities under international trade agreements. The event continued to bring together governments, industry leaders, manufacturers, exporters, buyers and international partners across the textile value chain.
