Giant Leap in Textiles Manufacturing: Make-in-India for the World

India’s textile industry is rooted in a rich history that dates back centuries, and today, it is undergoing a transformation that aims to position the country as a global manufacturing hub. The Indian textile sector is not only embracing modern technologies and sustainable practices but also setting its sights on dominating the global marketplace driven by the “Make-in-India” initiative with robust government policies and forward-thinking industry leaders like Trident Group with its commitment to manufacturing excellence, sustainability, vertical integration, and employment, all acting as a hub for both domestic and international market needs.

Historically, Indian textiles were a major export, with Indian cotton and silk traded across continents. The sector has remained an integral part of the country’s economy, being one of the largest employers in the nation, second only to agriculture.

Fast forward to the 21st century, the textile industry still plays a pivotal role in India’s economy, contributing approximately 2% to India’s GDP and 12% to the country’s export earnings. India is also the second-largest textile exporter in the world with a thriving domestic market.

Make-in-India: A Global Vision

The Indian government's “Make-in-India” initiative, launched in 2014, aims to make India a global manufacturing hub.

As India continues to assert itself as a global leader in textiles, the future holds several exciting developments. The country aims to double its textile production by 2030, focusing on creating a sustainable, technologically advanced, and innovation-driven industry. The PM MITRA scheme is swiftly establishing seven mega textile parks to offer world-class infrastructure and create integrated textile hubs, providing facilities for everything from spinning, weaving, processing, dyeing, and printing to garment manufacturing.

The Kasturi Cotton Bharat Program aggressively promotes organic and premium cotton, helping India secure a strong position in the international cotton market. Trident has aligned itself closely with this initiative by committing to purchase 5 lakh bales of Kasturi cotton, a significant move that strengthens both the program and Trident’s role in the broader Indian textile industry. By supporting this initiative, Trident is helping to create a premium identity for Indian cotton, assuring international buyers of the quality and sustainability of Indian textiles.

India is planning to significantly increase its share of global textile exports through the PLI scheme, which aims to attract large investments in man-made fibers and technical textiles. The target is to raise India’s share of global exports from 5% to 15% over the next decade.

Additionally, the country remains consistent in its dedication to innovation and sustainability, continuously striving to lower its carbon footprint and investing in high-tech, value-added goods like technical textiles and smart fabrics. The future vision calls for making India a global leader in sustainable textiles and emphasizing the circular economy, which is gaining traction and reduces waste by reusing and recycling products. In accordance with these promises, Trident recently released its initial ESG report and is now a UNGC signatory.

Trident's large-scale manufacturing operations in Punjab and Madhya Pradesh are critical to the company's commitment to India's textile industry and pushing the future of textiles. In addition to providing the required infrastructure, they serve as a hub for the creation of jobs and the advancement of skills. To guarantee a workforce prepared for the future, over 15,500 individuals are employed with a strong emphasis on training and skill development.

Trident's dedication to empowering women and its Takshashila program are commendable endeavors that complement the government's Skill India programs. Trident is contributing to the transformation of India's economy into one that is progressive by creating an environment at work that values diversity and inclusion.

Trident’s success in the global market, with 61% of its production focused on exports, is also a reflection of India’s rising status as a preferred destination for textile production—reiterating the Make?in India Program, especially as production shifts from traditional hubs like Bangladesh to India. The company’s vertical integration, which allows for control over the entire production process from yarn to finished textiles?to high-end home furnishings, ensures the highest standards of quality and efficiency, making Trident a reliable partner for international buyers.

This comprehensive control over the production process also aligns with the Indian government’s Farm to Fiber policy, which emphasizes the importance of building a sustainable and fully integrated textile supply chain.

India’s leadership in organic cotton production, coupled with an increasing emphasis on green textiles, places the country at the forefront of the global sustainable fashion movement. International brands are looking to partner with Indian manufacturers that can offer not just low-cost solutions but also ethical, sustainable, and eco-friendly products. Toward this, Trident is fully dedicated for Green Supply Chain and Sourcing and has signed up with Green Story for life cycle assessment.

With a responsibility to biodiversity conservation, Trident Group’s dedicated CSR wing Trident?Foundation has successfully planted over 1 million trees over these years. This initiative not only supports ecological balance but also enhances local biodiversity, creating a healthier environment for all stakeholders.?

Trident's approach to environmental conservation aligns with global efforts to combat climate change and preserve natural habitats. By integrating sustainable practices into its operations and community outreach to create Green Belt.

The Union Budget for 2024–25 has introduced several measures to further boost the textile industry. The budget announced a significant 45.6% increase in the allocation for centrally sponsored schemes related to textiles. This additional funding is aimed at promoting the use of geotextiles in the North-East region, protecting handloom artisans, and ensuring a steady supply of raw materials.

Another important policy shift in the 2024-25 budget is the reduction in Basic Customs Duty (BCD) on real downfilling materials.

With its export-friendly policies, India is targeting newer markets in Europe, North America, and Africa for textiles and garments. The PLI scheme, which aims to boost the production of man-made fibers, will enable India to cater to the?growing demand in global markets for non-cotton textiles.

As the world increasingly shifts towards sustainable, high-quality textiles, India—with Trident at the forefront—is ready to lead. Trident’s involvement in government initiatives and programs, its large-scale manufacturing and global export presence, and its pledge to sustainability make it a key player in India’s transformation into a global textile hub.

The journey from being the world’s largest cotton producer to a global textile powerhouse is already underway. Through continued innovation, investment, and strategic initiatives, India is set to redefine the future of textiles and position itself as a key player in the global supply chain.