Textile Roadshow: Indian Craft, Sustainability, and Trade Opportunities Shine in UK

Indian textile leaders gathered in London to present India’s achievements, innovations, and collaborative spirit to the UK textile community, emphasizing new trade opportunities under the CETA agreement, sustainability initiatives, and promotion of Geographical Indication (GI) products.

Delegation Profiles and Objectives

Led by Ms. Neelam Shami Rao, Secretary of the Ministry of Textiles, the delegation included representatives from all major Export Promotion Councils and top Indian exporters. Their aim was to deepen engagement with UK counterparts by showcasing the breadth of India’s textile value chain and promoting unique offerings from various regions.

Highlights from the Textile Roadshow

The Textile Roadshow was jointly organized by the High Commission of India in London and the Ministry of Textiles, with support from Export Promotion Councils. The event attracted a broad audience from UK buying houses and sourcing organizations focused on handicraft, handloom, and carpets.

Ms. Neelam Shami Rao stated: “India’s ability to serve the UK market comes from our heritage craftsmanship, modern scale, sustainability, and traceability initiatives.” She highlighted the country’s ongoing efforts in building resilient and transparent supply chains that align with global consumer expectations.

Unlocking Opportunities Under CETA

High Commissioner H.E. Mr. Vikram K. Doraiswami emphasized the historic relationship between India and the UK, noting the timely relevance of strengthening bilateral textile ties. He said: “The recently signed India–UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) provides a win–win opportunity for both countries, enabling enhanced trade, investment, and collaboration in textiles.” This agreement is expected to streamline access to UK markets and encourage partnerships.

Sectoral Meetings: Handicraft, Handloom, and Carpet Focus

Special sectoral meetings were held with UK buyers representing handicraft, handloom, and carpet industries. UK partners welcomed the initiative and reaffirmed their interest in expanding sourcing from India to include more GI-tagged products, which represent regional specialties and traditional skills.

The discussion focused on increasing the visibility of GI products, which enjoy recognition for their unique origin and quality, and boosting the export of such goods by utilizing the improved trade environment under CETA.

Sustainability and Supply Chain Transparency

A major topic was sustainability and traceability in textiles. The Indian delegation presented ongoing efforts in green manufacturing, eco-friendly certifications, and digital supply chain transparency. These initiatives aim to meet global standards and consumer expectations in the UK market, fostering confidence amongst international buyers.

Commitment to Growth and Collaboration

The visit set a positive tone for ongoing cooperation. Ms. Neelam Shami Rao affirmed India’s position as a “trusted and sustainable global textile partner,” with the target to double exports by 2030. The tour is expected to drive more joint investments and promote the Indian textile brand in the UK.