India’s textile industry continues to be a key pillar of the national economy, contributing nearly 2% to the country’s GDP. As the sixth-largest textile exporter globally, with a 3.9% share in world textile exports, the sector is poised for significant growth, projected to reach USD 350 billion by 2030. This expansion is expected to generate 3.5 crore jobs, further solidifying India’s standing in the global textile market.
While traditional textiles remain vital, the emergence of technical textiles is transforming the industry. These specialized fabrics prioritize function over aesthetics and cater to a wide range of industries, including automotive, construction, agriculture, healthcare, and safety. Technical textiles enhance durability, safety, and efficiency in various applications, such as automobile components, medical equipment, and protective gear. Categorized into twelve distinct segments, these fabrics are revolutionizing multiple sectors.
To accelerate the development of technical textiles, the government launched the National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM) for the period 2020-21 to 2025-26 with a total outlay of ₹1,480 crore. This initiative focuses on leveraging textiles for strategic and commercial applications. The mission encompasses four core areas: research and development, market promotion, export promotion, and education and skill development.
The mission encourages innovation in technical textiles by inviting proposals for new materials and processes while simultaneously fostering international collaborations to expand market reach. Additionally, a dedicated export council has been established to boost India’s presence in the global technical textile market. To strengthen workforce capabilities, specialized training programs have been introduced in partnership with academic institutions and industry leaders.
Since its inception, ₹517 crore has been allocated under NTTM, with ₹393.39 crore already utilized for research, market development, export promotion, and skill-building initiatives. The mission has approved 168 research projects valued at ₹509 crore to advance innovation in the sector.
In addition to its core components, NTTM has introduced multiple initiatives to enhance innovation, skill development, and indigenous production. The Grant for Internship Support for Technical Textiles (GIST 2.0) was launched to bridge the gap between industry and academia by offering hands-on learning experiences, fostering local innovation, and supporting the ‘Make in India’ initiative. Another significant initiative, the Grant for Research & Entrepreneurship Across Aspiring Innovators in Technical Textiles (GREAT) Scheme, launched in August 2023, provides funding for the commercialization of innovative prototypes.
Eight startups have already received ₹50 lakh each for developments in medical, industrial, and protective textiles, while three academic institutions, including IIT Indore and NIT Patna, have been granted ₹6.5 crore to introduce specialized courses in geotextiles, geosynthetics, and sports textiles.
Recognizing the growing demand for skilled professionals in the sector, NTTM aims to train 50,000 individuals, including students, unskilled workers, and professionals. Collaborating with institutions like SITRA, NITRA, and SASMIRA, the initiative offers specialized courses in medical, protective, mobile, and agricultural textiles.
Furthermore, Technotex 2024, organized as part of Bharat Tex 2024, provided a platform to showcase India’s technical textiles capabilities and investment potential. A key attraction at the event was the Innovation Zone under NTTM, which spanned 693 square meters and featured 71 cutting-edge projects, including 48 prototypes and 23 informational exhibits.
Innovation in technical textiles is yielding significant advancements. One notable example is Eicher Goodearth’s Mahina, India’s first bonded leak-proof period underwear. Designed for superior absorbency and 12-hour leak protection, it is crafted from natural materials and lasts up to 100 washes, eliminating the need for disposable products.
At the state level, Tamil Nadu has prioritized technical textile development, as reflected in its recent budget. Key initiatives include the establishment of the PM MITRA Park in Virudhunagar and a textile park in Salem. Additionally, the state has enhanced capital subsidies for technical textile investments, raising the spinning modernization subsidy from 2% to 6% to facilitate cost reductions and technological upgrades.
