The Home Textile Exporters’ Welfare Association (HEWA) successfully hosted the 2nd International Home Textile Summit (IHTS 2025) in Panipat, India. This prestigious event brought together industry leaders, manufacturers, exporters, policymakers, and global buyers to discuss trends, challenges, and opportunities for expanding India’s home textile sector in international markets.
Inauguration and Keynote Address
The summit was inaugurated virtually by Shri Suresh Prabhu, former Minister of Commerce and Industry, who acknowledged the challenges faced by Indian textile manufacturers. He praised HEWA President Anant Srivastava and Director Vikas Singh Chauhan for their contributions in strengthening India’s textile export ecosystem.
Dr. Waiel Awwad, Secretary General of the Indo-Arab Chamber of Commerce, Industries, and Agriculture, delivered a keynote address, emphasizing the rich history of Panipat in global trade and reaffirming his commitment to strengthening India-Arab trade relations.
Key Panel Discussion: Strengthening Global Partnerships
A major highlight was a panel discussion moderated by Vikas Singh Chauhan on “Strengthening Global Partnerships: Home Textile Innovation, Possibilities, and the Way Forward.” The session facilitated meaningful exchanges between Indian exporters and international buyers on topics such as sustainability, innovation, and emerging market trends.
Key Highlights of IHTS 2025:
- Industry Expert Panels: Insights on market expansion, sustainability, and policy reforms.
- Global Networking: Opportunities for Indian exporters to connect with buyers from South Korea, South Africa, the UK, UAE, Russia, Tunisia, Libya, Yemen, and other nations.
- Government & Policy Sessions: Discussions on trade policies and export incentives.
- Innovation Showcase: Display of the latest advancements in home textiles and sustainable production.
With Panipat, the “Textile City of India,” as the backdrop, IHTS 2025 played a pivotal role in shaping the future of the Indian home textile industry. The event provided Indian exporters with a platform to scale new heights in the $150 billion global home textile market.
Anant Srivastava’s Address: Unlocking the Potential of the Home Textile Industry
HEWA President Anant Srivastava extended gratitude to all distinguished guests and delegates, emphasizing the summit’s theme: “Unlocking the Potential of the Home Textile Industry.” His address focused on:
- Aatmanirbhar Bharat: Strengthening domestic manufacturing and exports.
- Sustainability: Encouraging eco-friendly innovations.
- Job Creation: Empowering artisans and MSMEs.
- Global Leadership: Positioning India as a hub for high-quality home textile products.
He urged industry stakeholders to adopt sustainable business practices, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
