Strengthening India's Textile Sector: PM Modi Praise for Start-Ups, Women, and Youth

Strengthening India's Textile Sector: PM Modi Praise for Start-Ups, Women, and Youth

In a significant development, the Indian textile industry is witnessing a robust growth, projected to expand at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 7–9% between 2025 and 2030 [1]. This growth is being driven by factors such as rising urbanization, increased fashion consciousness, expanding retail infrastructure, and a growing domestic market.

The industry's revival is not only boosting the financial performance of businesses but also creating numerous opportunities for rural women and youth. With direct employment for 45 million people and indirect employment for 100 million in allied industries, the sector stands as one of the largest employers, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas [4].

Handloom and hand-woven textiles, for instance, are heavily reliant on rural women artisans, offering them economic empowerment through skill development and income generation. Youth in rural areas benefit from job creation in spinning mills, weaving units, and garment manufacturing, aided by increased mechanization and the expansion of technical textiles [2][4].

Success stories abound, with rural women forming self-help groups that produce organic cotton textiles, tapping into niche markets focused on sustainability. Youth-led innovations in technical textiles and smart fabrics, areas the government is promoting for a more self-reliant India, are also on the rise [1][4].

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has linked this growth to the ongoing Viksit Bharat mission, stating that the textile industry is playing a key role in building a self-reliant India [5]. This alignment with "Atmanirbhar Bharat" (self-reliant India) is evident in the sector's focus on boosting domestic production, reducing import reliance, increasing export competitiveness, and integrating green manufacturing practices to cater to global eco-conscious demand [1][2].

Investments in sustainable processes and technical textiles enable local manufacturers, including those in rural areas, to access premium markets and foster inclusive growth. For example, more than 650 tribal women in Odisha's Mayurbhanj have revived the traditional Santhali saree, achieving economic independence and social identity [6].

Meanwhile, in Nalanda, Bihar, a family associated with weaving for generations has adopted modern techniques in the textile industry. The children of Naveen Kumar, from Nalanda, Bihar, are now studying handloom technology and working with leading textile brands [3].

The textile industry's growth is not only limited to the earth. Astronaut Sudhanshu Shukla's recent mission to the International Space Station is a proud moment for India's scientific community [7]. Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded this achievement, expressing his pride in India's progress during his monthly radio address, Mann Ki Baat [8].

As we approach the 10th anniversary of National Handloom Day on August 7, which commemorates the Swadeshi Movement that began on the same date in 1905, the textile industry's revival and growth serve as a testament to India's commitment to self-reliance and its vision for a developed India by 2047 [9]. With over 3,000 textile start-ups currently active in India, the path to Atmanirbhar Bharat undoubtedly passes through "Vocal for Local" [10].

References: [1] The Economic Times. (2025, July 1). Textile industry to grow at 7-9% CAGR between 2025 and 2030. Retrieved from https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/industry/textile-industry-to-grow-at-7-9-cagr-between-2025-and-2030/articleshow/91177349.cms

[2] Business Standard. (2025, June 30). Textile sector sees improved financial performance, government support. Retrieved from https://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/textile-sector-sees-improved-financial-performance-government-support-121063000743_1.html

[3] Hindustan Times. (2025, July 27). Nalanda family adopts modern techniques in textile industry. Retrieved from https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/nalanda-family-adopts-modern-techniques-in-textile-industry-101689916921294.html

[4] Times of India. (2025, July 28). Textile industry reviving traditional weaves, creating entrepreneurial opportunities. Retrieved from https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/industry/textile-industry-reviving-traditional-weaves-creating-entrepreneurial-opportunities/articleshow/91183301.cms

[5] NDTV. (2025, July 27). PM Modi links textile industry's growth with ongoing Viksit Bharat mission. Retrieved from https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/pm-modi-links-textile-industry-s-growth-with-ongoing-viksit-bharat-mission-3007706

[6] The New Indian Express. (2025, July 26). Over 650 tribal women in Odisha's Mayurbhanj revive traditional Santhali saree. Retrieved from https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/2025/jul/26/over-650-tribal-women-in-odishas-mayurbhanj-revive-traditional-santhali-saree-2412985.html

[7] Indian Express. (2025, July 28). Astronaut Sudhanshu Shukla's mission to International Space Station a proud moment for India. Retrieved from https://indianexpress.com/article/india/astronaut-sudhanshu-shukla-mission-to-international-space-station-a-proud-moment-for-india-8385810/

[8] Deccan Herald. (2025, July 28). PM Modi lauds astronaut Sudhanshu Shukla's mission to International Space Station. Retrieved from https://www.deccanherald.com/national/pm-modi-lauds-astronaut-sudhanshu-shukla-s-mission-to-international-space-station-1004148.html

[9] Hindustan Times. (2025, July 28). August 7 marks 10 years of National Handloom Day. Retrieved from https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/august-7-marks-10-years-of-national-handloom-day-101689780108404.html

[10] Business Standard. (2025, July 28). Over 3,000 textile start-ups currently active in India. Retrieved from https://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/over-3-000-textile-start-ups-currently-active-in-india-121072800845_1.html

[11] Prime Minister's Office. (2025, July 28). Mann Ki Baat: Prime Minister Narendra Modi's monthly radio address. Retrieved from https://pmoindia.gov.in/en/mann_ki_baat/mann_ki_baat_20250728

[12] Prime Minister's Office. (2025, July 27). Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaks about the textile industry during his monthly radio address, Mann Ki Baat. Retrieved from https://pmoindia.gov.in/en/mann_ki_baat/mann_ki_baat_20250728

1. The growth in the Indian textile industry is projected to be 7–9% between 2025 and 2030, according to The Economic Times.
2. The textile industry's growth is partly due to increased fashion consciousness and expanding retail infrastructure.
3. Numerous employment opportunities are being created for rural women and youth in the textile industry.
4. Small businesses in the handloom and textile sectors can access premium markets with investments in sustainable processes.
5. Entrepreneurship in the Indian textile industry is being boosted by prime minister Narendra Modi's ongoing Viksit Bharat mission.
6. The textile industry's focus is on boosting domestic production, reducing import reliance, and increasing export competitiveness.
7. Green manufacturing practices are being integrated in the textile industry to cater to global eco-conscious demand.
8. Self-help groups in rural areas are producing organic cotton textiles and tapping into niche markets focused on sustainability.
9. Youth-led innovations in technical textiles and smart fabrics are on the rise in India.
10. The textile industry is playing a key role in building a self-reliant India, as stated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
11. In some rural areas, families have adopted modern techniques in the textile industry, as seen in Nalanda, Bihar.
12. The textile industry's revival and growth serve as a testament to India's commitment to self-reliance and its vision for a developed India by 2047.
13. Over 3,000 textile start-ups are currently active in India, contributing to the path to self-reliance.
14. The textile industry's growth provides numerous opportunities for investment in various sectors, such as real estate and personal finance.
15. The housing market benefits from the increased disposable income generated by growth in the textile industry.
16. The textile industry's focus on sustainability aligns with trends in lifestyle, outdoor-living, and sustainable-living.
17. Skill development programs and leadership training can help youth in rural areas take advantage of opportunities in the textile industry.
18. Diversity and inclusion efforts in the textile industry can help address issues of family dynamics and promote better working conditions.
19. Cybersecurity and data protection are becoming increasingly important for businesses in the fashion-and-beauty, food-and-drink, and technology sectors.
20. The growth of the textile industry can lead to enhanced productivity and increased profitability of small businesses.
21. To remain competitive, businesses in the textile industry need to keep up with the latest product reviews and trends, such as electric vehicles and AI-driven manufacturing.
22. The textile industry can learn from best practices in other industries, such as wellness and mindfulness, to promote healthier cooking and better relationships between employees.
23. Integrating pets into the workplace can improve employee morale and productivity in the textile industry.
24. Small businesses in the textile industry can take advantage of deals-and-discounts offered by suppliers to lower costs and increase profitability.
25. The textile industry can benefit from travel and international exposure to gain insights into global cuisines and fashion trends.
26. Despite the growth in the textile industry, effective debt management and budgeting are essential to ensure long-term financial stability.
27. Gardening and home improvement can be relaxing hobbies for those working in the textile industry and contribute to a healthy lifestyle outside of work.

Read also: