National Textiles Ministers’ Conference Begins in Guwahati
The two-day National Textiles Ministers’ Conference began on Thursday in Guwahati, Assam, bringing together Textile Ministers and senior officials from States and Union Territories to deliberate on a future roadmap for strengthening India’s textile sector and positioning the country as a global textile hub.

Organised by the Ministry of Textiles, the conference is being held under the theme “India’s Textiles: Weaving Growth, Heritage & Innovation”, with a focus on strengthening cooperative federalism and enhancing Centre–State coordination. The inaugural session was attended by Union Minister for Textiles Shri Giriraj Singh, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, Minister of State for Textiles Shri Pabitra Margherita and other dignitaries.

Addressing the conference, Shri Giriraj Singh said the Union Government is working in a balanced manner to harmonise production, exports and sustainability in the textile sector. He said the conference provides a platform for brainstorming, innovation and idea-sharing to build a strong roadmap for the industry. The Union Minister urged States and UTs to formulate investor-friendly policies and attract greater investment at the state level. Highlighting the Northeast, he said the region is a priority area under the Prime Minister’s vision, with focused efforts to strengthen infrastructure and accelerate development.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav said the Indian textile industry is witnessing rapid growth and that the artistic skills of Indian craftsmen deserve wider access to global markets. He noted that the conference would help outline a comprehensive roadmap to further accelerate sectoral growth.

Minister of State for Textiles Shri Pabitra Margherita said it was a matter of pride that the conference was being held in Guwahati, bringing together the Centre and States to jointly plan the future of the textile sector. He said India has set an ambitious target of building a USD 350 billion textile economy under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Citing the Handloom Census 2019–20, he noted that the Northeastern region accounts for about 52 per cent of the country’s total handloom production.

Secretary, Textiles, Smt. Neelam Shami Rao said the textile industry continues to play a vital role in India’s social and economic life, with nearly 500 districts exporting one or more textile products globally. Additional Secretary, Textiles, Shri Rohit Kansal highlighted that India is among the world’s largest textile producers and that close coordination between the Centre and States is driving sectoral growth.

The inaugural session also saw the opening of an exhibition and pavilion showcasing India’s textile heritage, innovation and strengths, along with the release of the report “India’s Textile Atlas: State Compendium 2025.”

Several sessions held during the day focused on infrastructure, investments, raw materials and fibres including cotton, silk, jute and wool, as well as technical textiles and new-age fibres. The conference will continue on Friday with deliberations on exports, branding, handlooms and handicrafts.