Policy leaders, industry experts and global stakeholders discuss sustainable sourcing, textile finance and technology-led growth
The third day of Bharat Tex 2026 brought together policymakers, State Government representatives, industry leaders, investors, international organisations, brands, academic institutions and sustainability experts for discussions focused on circularity, responsible sourcing, textile financing, future-ready skills, global trade and technology-led growth.
Through panel discussions, roundtables, workshops, masterclasses and industry interactions, the day’s programme examined practical approaches to building a competitive, inclusive and environmentally responsible textile sector.
A key highlight was the participation of Dr. Mohan Yadav, Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, who visited the Madhya Pradesh State Pavilion and interacted with representatives showcasing the State’s textile heritage, manufacturing capabilities and investment potential. He later participated in the Madhya Pradesh State Session, organised by the Government of Madhya Pradesh. The session highlighted the State’s strengths across the textile value chain and its potential to attract investment, expand manufacturing, generate employment and support industry-led growth. A media interaction was also held following the session, where Dr. Mohan Yadav highlighted Madhya Pradesh’s textile potential and investment opportunities.
Fashion Trends and Sustainable Materials Take Centre Stage
The National Institute of Fashion Technology-led discussion, “Indian Trends to Global Taste: Forecasting for Billion Consumers (VisionNxt)”, featured Shri Nand Kishore Chaudhary, Chairman, Jaipur Rugs Company Private Limited, and Shri Riccardo Rami, Founder, Riccardo Rami Studio, Italy. The discussion examined India’s potential to influence global fashion trends through consumer insights, indigenous knowledge and contemporary design.
Sustainability and circularity remained central to the day’s agenda. A United Nations Development Programme session on the India Sustainable Textile Mark, featuring Ms. Nalini Shekar, Co-Founder, Hasiru Dala, focused on creating a credible social and environmental benchmark for Indian textiles and apparel.
The session “Wheat Straw to Wardrobes”, featuring Dr. Ravinder Tuteja, Material Program Lead, H&M, explored the development of next-generation textile fibres from agricultural residue. Meanwhile, the roundtable “Circular Textile: From Dialogue to Deployment”, featuring Shri Archish Kansal, Director, Respun, focused on moving circularity commitments towards practical and scalable solutions.
Organic Cotton Pricing and Textile Financing Discussed
The discussion “Fair Commodity Pricing: An Industry Model for an Equitable and Resilient Organic Cotton Value Chain” featured Shri Jagjeet Singh Kandal, Country Director, India, IDH India Hub Private Limited, and Ms. Danique Lodewijks, Sustainable Raw Materials Manager, Bestseller. The session highlighted the importance of transparent pricing, farmer interests and long-term partnerships across the organic cotton value chain.
A panel on “Financing a Globally Competitive, Sustainable, Inclusive Supply Chain”, featuring Shri Aakash Shah, Partner, Peak Sustainability Ventures, examined financing mechanisms for resilient and responsible textile supply chains.
The Better Cotton Initiative roundtable, “Dialogue for Sustainable Sourcing Solutions to Drive Textile Trade,” brought together Ms. Eva Benavidez Clayton, Senior Director of Demand and Engagement, Better Cotton Initiative; Shri Paul Wright, Group Environmental, Social and Governance Executive Director, PDS Limited; Shri Anant Ahuja, Director of Environmental, Social and Governance and Sustainability, Shahi Exports Private Limited; Shri Dilip Kumar, Traceability Manager, Marks and Spencer; and Shri Srinivasan Krishnamurthy, Material Development Lead, IKEA Group.
The deliberations focused on responsible sourcing, traceability and greater collaboration among brands, manufacturers and suppliers to support sustainable textile trade.
Investors Examine India’s Textile Sustainability Journey
The roundtable “Weaving Capital In: Investor Perspectives on India’s Textile Sustainability Journey” featured Ms. Ranjna Khanna, Senior Director, Programs, Impact Investors Council; Shri Jai Kumar Gaurav, Senior Advisor for Climate Change and Circular Economy, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit; and Dr. Priya Nagaraj, Head, Green Economy and Innovation, Council on Energy, Environment and Water.
The discussion examined investment opportunities in clean technologies, circular business models and inclusive enterprises across India’s textile sector.
Digital exports and traditional textile heritage also featured in the day’s programme. The e-commerce masterclass “From Bharat to the World”, featuring Shri Pulkit Nanda, Head of New Seller Recruitment, Global Sales, Amazon Global Selling, highlighted the role of export preparedness and digital marketplaces in helping Indian textile enterprises reach global customers.
A fireside conversation with Dr. M. Beena, IAS, Development Commissioner for Handlooms, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, and Ms. Priyambada Jayakumar, Author and Historian, reflected on India’s handloom heritage, the contribution of weavers and artisans and the importance of connecting traditional knowledge with contemporary markets.
The day concluded with the “Sustainability Conclave: Learnings and Takeaways — Closing Plenary Session,” featuring Ms. Aarti Mohan, Co-Founder and Partner, Sattva Media and Consulting Private Limited. The session consolidated the day’s discussions and called for coordinated action across finance, sourcing, technology, skills and circularity.
Textile Integration and Chemical Management Also Addressed
A panel discussion titled “Why Indian Fabric Players Struggle to Integrate into Garmenting and What It Will Take to Succeed” included Shri Shreyaskar Chaudhary, Managing Director, Pratibha Syntex Limited, and Shri Kartikayan Ravichandran, Associate Partner, Vector Consulting Group. The session examined the operational and strategic capabilities required for Indian fabric manufacturers to expand into garment production.
The masterclass “Integrating Sustainable Chemical Management Frameworks into Policy,” led by Shri Saket Damodar Kulkarni, Senior Regional Manager for South Asia, ZDHC Foundation, discussed responsible chemical management, stronger environmental, social and governance compliance and internationally aligned production practices to support India-European Union textile trade.
