CMAI Highlights India’s Apparel Industry at Bharat Tex 2026 with Focus on Sustainability and Global Growth

Association facilitates over 100 exhibitors, launches industry roadmap, and hosts sustainability and global collaboration initiatives at Bharat Tex 2026

The Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI) concluded its participation at Bharat Tex 2026, bringing together manufacturers, brands, policymakers, sustainability experts and international industry representatives across multiple initiatives during the event.

CMAI facilitated the participation of over 100 exhibitors across multiple exhibition halls representing apparel, textiles, brands and sustainability initiatives. The Brands of India Pavilion featured more than 70 apparel brands, including the first dedicated Innerwear & Sleepwear Pavilion, showcasing India's expanding intimate and innerwear segment.

Speaking on the successful conclusion of Bharat Tex 2026, Santosh Katariya, President, Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI), said, "Bharat Tex has become a defining platform for showcasing the strength, resilience and aspirations of India's apparel industry. CMAI's participation this year reflected our commitment to building an ecosystem that is globally competitive, innovation-driven and sustainability-focused."

Eco-Stitch Sustainability & Circularity Hub Highlights Circular Manufacturing

In collaboration with the Global Alliance for Textile Sustainability (GATS), CMAI curated the Eco-Stitch Sustainability & Circularity Hub, which hosted sustainability report launches, product unveilings, technology demonstrations, investor and buyer engagements, industry roundtables and partnership announcements over four days.

The pavilion brought together manufacturers, brands, recyclers, technology providers, multilateral organisations and sustainability experts from across the textile and apparel value chain.

India Textiles & Apparel CXO Blueprint 2030 Released

During the event, Shri Giriraj Singh, Hon'ble Minister of Textiles, released the India Textiles & Apparel CXO Blueprint 2030, jointly developed by CMAI and GATS.

The report outlines a roadmap aimed at strengthening the global competitiveness of India's textile and apparel sector through sustainability, traceability, innovation and technology-led manufacturing.

Naveen Sainani, Chairman – ESG Committee & Hon. General Secretary, Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI), added, "The scale and diversity of participation witnessed across CMAI's initiatives at Bharat Tex 2026 reflect the maturity of India's apparel industry and its readiness for the next phase of global growth. From promoting Indian brands and fostering international partnerships to driving conversations around sustainability and manufacturing excellence, our efforts have been focused on creating long-term value for the industry."

Industry Dialogues and Leadership Sessions

CMAI organised and supported several knowledge sessions, policy discussions and industry forums during Bharat Tex 2026.

A round-table discussion titled 'Indian Brands, Global Ambitions: Redefining Retail Growth Beyond Borders', hosted by Deloitte and supported by CMAI, was chaired by Shri Giriraj Singh, Honourable Minister of Textiles, along with Smt. Neelam Shami Rao (IAS), Secretary-Ministry of Textiles, and Smt. Alaknanda Dayal, Joint Secretary – Ministry of Textiles.

The session included participation from Welspun World, PDS Ltd, Arvind Advance Materials, Trent, designers Vaishali Shandangule and Rahul Mishra, among others.

CMAI also organised a panel discussion in association with the Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI) titled 'Brands of a Billion: The Great Indian Retail Revolution', moderated by Harminder Sahani (Wazir Advisors). Panelists included P. Venkatesalu (Trent Ltd.), Siddharth Bindra (BIBA Apparels), Rajesh Jain (Lacoste), Nikhil Upadhyay (Benetton India), Gautam Saraogi (Go Colors), Sidhant Keshwani (Libas), Maya Pradeep (Haute Couture) and Shweta Agarwal (Tradyl).

International Industry Engagement

CMAI hosted the Board Meeting of the International Apparel Federation (IAF) and organised international leadership sessions in partnership with IAF and Gherzi Consulting.

The Apparel Manufacturing Leadership Session featured Stefano Festa Marzotto, President, IAF; Giuseppe Gherzi, Managing Partner, Gherzi Textile Organisation; Sanjay Jain, CEO, PDS Group; Edgar Tung, CEO, Tessellation Group; Mahmud Hasan Khan, President, BGMEA and Managing Director, Rising Group; Navdeep Sodhi, Partner, Gherzi Textile Organisation; along with CMAI leadership.

Through its exhibition, sustainability initiatives and industry engagements, CMAI concluded its participation at Bharat Tex 2026 with activities focused on apparel manufacturing, international collaboration, policy dialogue and knowledge exchange.