TAI Mumbai Hosts International Conference on “Textiles 2030” to Address Geopolitics, Technology and Global Expectations
The Textile Association (India), Mumbai Unit successfully organised an International Conference titled “TEXTILES 2030 – Navigating Geopolitics, Technology Innovations and Global Expectations” on 30 January 2026 at Hotel The Lalit, Mumbai. The conference witnessed an overwhelming response with over 350 industry delegates, reflecting strong interest in the future direction of India’s textile and apparel sector.
Key Highlights
- Industry leaders discussed the impact of geopolitical shifts, FTAs, ESG regulations, sustainability and digital transformation on the global textile value chain.
- The conference underlined the importance of India–EU Free Trade Agreement in improving export competitiveness and restoring volumes and margins.
- Emphasis was placed on moving towards value-added products, automation, AI, circularity and branding as part of the TEXTILES 2030 vision.
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Lighting the Lamp.
Standing (L to R): Mr. Rajiv Ranjan, President, TAI, Mumbai Unit, Mr. R. R. Patil, Vice President, TAI, Mumbai Unit, Mr. Murugan Thenkondar, President & Head - Marketing and Business, Development (Fibre Marketing), Cellulosic Business, Grasim Industries Ltd., Mr. R. K. Vij, President, TAI, Ms. Roop Rashi, CEO, Khadi and Village Industries Commission, Govt. of India, Mr. Prashant Agarwal, Co. Founder & Jt. Managing Director, Wazir Advisors Pvt. Ltd., Dr. G. V. Aras, Conference Chairman & Trustee, TAI, Mumbai Unit, Mr. V. C. Gupte, Conference Convenor & Chairman, TAI, Mumbai Unit, Dr. G. S. Nadiger, Vice Chairman, TAI, Mumbai Unit, Mr. Haresh B. Parekh, Hon. Secretary, TAI, Mumbai Unit.
Leadership & Key Addresses
Mr. V. C. Gupte, Chairman, TAI Mumbai Unit, highlighted the association’s continued focus on future-ready themes and stressed the need for ESG awareness and strategic preparedness.
Mr. Rajiv Ranjan, President, TAI Mumbai Unit, noted that trade today is shaped by geopolitics, sustainability expectations and perception, calling TEXTILES 2030 a mindset rather than a milestone.
The conference was honoured by the presence of Ms. Roop Rashi (IA&AS), CEO, KVIC, as Chief Guest, who emphasised alignment with global expectations and policy frameworks.
Ms. Roop Rashi
Technical Sessions & Panel Discussion
Three technical sessions addressed:
- Future fibres, recycling technologies and renewable energy
- ESG regulations, transparency and digital product passports
- Financial planning amid global trade volatility
A special all-women panel discussion on “Women Leadership Driving a Change in the Textile & Apparel Sector” emerged as a key highlight, reflecting the growing role of women leaders across the value chain.
Panel Discussion Session (Standing L to R): Ms. Anoushka Veljee, Chief Revenue Officer, Frontier.cool Inc., California, USA, Ms. Shefali Gopalka, Partner, National Dyechem Industries, Ms. Smita Yeole, Managing Director, Oriental Weaving & Processing Mills Pvt. Ltd., Ms. Katyayani Agarwal, Freelance Consultant, Museum Curator & Cultural Heritage Specialist, Ms. Neha Gupta, Founder, International Fashion Business Exchange Council (IFBEC), Dr. Seema Srivastava, Executive Director, India ITME Society, Mrs. Smita Joshi, Vice President - Home Textiles and Exports, Sutlej Textiles & Industries Ltd.
Awards & Recognition
- Lifetime Achievement Award: Mr. Amrishbhai Patel, Chairman, Deesan Group
- Industrial Excellence Award: Mr. Edward Menezes & Mr. Sunil Chari, Rossari Biotech Ltd.
Conclusion
The conference concluded with a strong collective message that while global challenges remain, the Indian textile and apparel industry holds significant opportunities for growth through innovation, sustainability, collaboration and strategic global alignment on the road to TEXTILES 2030.
