Need more free trade pacts to compete with Bangladesh, others in textile exports: V-P Radhakrishnan

Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan on Saturday (December 20, 2025) stressed the need for India to enter into more free trade agreements (FTAs) to gain a level-playing field with competitors like Bangladesh in global textile and apparel export markets.

Addressing the Apparel Exports Promotion Council (AEPC) awards event in New Delhi, the Vice President observed that previously, not many countries were competing with us for garment exports globally, but now there are many nations, like Bangladesh, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam and the African countries.

“So FTA is a must… it is the greatest advantage they (our competing nations) are having,” Mr. Radhakrishnan said.

Asserting that India’s target is to achieve the textile market size of $350 billion by 2030, with $100 billion in textile exports, he urged the apparel industry to also actively explore new markets and adopt eco-friendly manufacturing practices, responsible sourcing, and strategies to minimise waste.

“Only constraint today is the FTA with America is a little uncertain. I think it is only a matter of time,” the Vice President said.

Acknowledging that “there are a lot of constraints” on the Indian textile and apparel industry because of the geopolitical situation, he said, India is the 6th largest exporter of textiles and apparels globally, which stands as a testament to the immense contribution of the textile industry in our nation’s growth story.

The Vice President expressed confidence that India’s textiles exports will double in the next three years.

“We cannot ignore the textile industry in India… It will grow, and I am sure you will be doubling your exports in the next three years,” he said.

India’s textiles and apparel exports stood at $37.75 billion in the last financial year 2024-25.

Speaking on the occasion, Sudhir Sekhri, Chairman, AEPC, said, “Despite global uncertainties, Indian apparel exports recorded a commendable 10% growth in 2024-25. In November 2025 alone, exports grew by 11.3% over November 2024, and by 22.1% over November 2023. Cumulatively, RMG (ready-made garment) exports during April-November 2025-26 stood at $10.08 billion, reflecting sustained momentum and resilience despite global headwinds”.