The conference will be inaugurated by the Hon’ble Minister of State for Textiles, Government of India, Mr. Pabitra Margherita, who will serve as the Chief Guest. The event will also feature the distinguished presence of Ms. Manisha Chatterjee, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, Govt. of India, as the Guest of Honour. 

Aligned with the overarching national vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, the conference—titled “Scaling the Technical Textiles Frontier: Innovation, Sustainability, and Indigenous Excellence”—will serve as a pivotal interface between policy, academia, and industry. Technical textiles—functional fabrics engineered for high-performance applications—are essential to national sovereignty and economic growth, spanning vital sectors such as defense, medical infrastructure, automotive engineering, and high-performance sports.

While India has made significant strides, the sector is currently at an inflection point. The conference will address critical pathways for industry growth, including:

• The Sportech Pivot: Transitioning from an import-dependent market for high-performance gear to a creator of world-class, indigenous athletic solutions.
• Innovation at Scale: Bridging the gap between lab-scale Proofs-of-Concept (PoCs) and industrial-grade manufacturing.
• Global Standards: Aligning Indian manufacturing with international benchmarks to drive export competitiveness.

“Technical textiles are the ‘invisible infrastructure’ of a modern nation,” said Rakesh Kumar Sangrai, Director, PHDCCI. “With the visionary leadership of the Ministry of Textiles and the support of the National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM), this conference aims to mobilize the industry to turn potential into production, and ambition into national dominance.” 

The conference will feature:

• Strategic Policy Dialogues: A direct platform for industry leaders to discuss regulatory frameworks and policy optimization with Ministry officials.
• The NTTM Innovation Pavilion: A curated exhibition zone showcasing ground breaking prototypes and material solutions from NTTM-funded startups and premier research laboratories.
• The Strategic Industry White Paper: A collaborative roadmap, synthesizing industry challenges and expert recommendations, to be presented to the Ministry of Textiles for actionable policy support.

Industry leaders, technology innovators, and manufacturing stakeholders are invited to register early to secure their presence at this strategic event. 

Register Now:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeMoVgrbKYKjQg33-IFPZHeqU23i0eRSuKyd2odIDfD4SYdoQ/viewform 

Organised under the initiatives of Vocal for Local and Make in India, the expo aims to promote Swadeshi handloom products, create direct market linkages between weavers and consumers, and strengthen livelihood opportunities for artisans across the country. Weavers and artisan groups from 21 States will participate in the expo, offering a diverse range of authentic handwoven products.

Visitors will be able to purchase directly from weavers and explore a rich collection of handloom sarees, dress materials, home furnishings, shawls, stoles, and contemporary handloom apparel. With a strong emphasis on sustainability, the expo will showcase eco-friendly handloom products that support a greener environment while empowering traditional weaving communities.

Providing direct selling platforms to weavers remains an important part of strengthening the handloom value chain, as it enables them to expand their customer base while ensuring fair price realisation, said a senior official from NHDC.

The Special Handloom Expo reflects the Government of India’s continued focus on strengthening the handloom sector by encouraging domestic consumption of indigenous textiles and supporting artisan livelihoods. By enabling direct interaction between weavers and buyers, the expo seeks to enhance awareness about the cultural and ecological value of handloom products.

Handloom remains one of India’s largest cottage industries, sustaining millions of weavers and allied workers. Events such as this expo play a significant role in preserving traditional skills, promoting eco-friendly production practices, and showcasing the diversity of India’s weaving traditions.

Centrally located and open with free entry to all visitors, the exhibition invites citizens and tourists alike to experience the richness of Indian handlooms, reinforcing the importance of preserving indigenous skills and promoting locally made products.