Bharat Tex 2026 Concludes on Historic High as AEPC Drives Apparel Growth
Bharat Tex 2026 concluded after a successful four-day edition, reinforcing India’s position as a global textile and apparel sourcing destination. The Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) played a key role in strengthening the apparel segment through international buyer engagement, strategic partnerships and policy-focused initiatives.
The event was inaugurated by Union Minister of Textiles Shri Giriraj Singh in the presence of Union Minister of State for Textiles Shri Pabitra Margherita, Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, Ms. Neelam Shami Rao, senior government officials, industry leaders and international delegates.
AEPC facilitated the participation of 416 apparel exhibitors, connecting them with 1,365 international buyers and 722 buying agents from across the world. The event also attracted CEOs and CXOs from leading European apparel companies, representatives of global brands and official business delegations from Russia, Japan, Poland and Spain.
Focus on Textile and Apparel Investment
Investment promotion was a key focus during the event. The Ministry of Textiles organised a dedicated Trade and Investment Session chaired by Union Minister of Textiles Shri Giriraj Singh. The session was attended by Ms. Neelam Shami Rao, Secretary, Ministry of Textiles; Dr. A. Sakthivel, Chairman, AEPC; senior Ministry officials, industry leaders and investors.
The session highlighted investment opportunities across India’s textile and apparel value chain and underlined the country’s growing appeal as a global manufacturing and investment destination.
India–UK CETA Takes Centre Stage
The operationalisation of the India–UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) during Bharat Tex 2026 was among the key highlights of the event.
The session, “India–UK CETA in Action: Shaping the Future of Textile Trade and Investment,” was jointly organised by ITPO and AEPC. It was attended by Union Minister of State for Textiles Shri Pabitra Margherita, Ms. Neelam Shami Rao, Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, Shri Jawed Ashraf, Chairman, ITPO, and Dr. A. Sakthivel, Chairman, AEPC, along with senior government officials and industry representatives.
The agreement was discussed in the context of future trade and investment opportunities for India’s textile and apparel sector.
Strong Buyer Interest and Cluster Engagement
The Tiruppur apparel cluster attracted significant interest from international buyers during the exhibition. AEPC also signed a strategic MoU with the Government of Madhya Pradesh to support the development of the state’s apparel manufacturing ecosystem.
The Council participated in conferences and knowledge sessions covering sustainability, free trade agreements, investment, innovation and manufacturing competitiveness.
Exhibitors reported strong business enquiries and productive buyer meetings. International buyers also expressed interest in India’s manufacturing capabilities, sustainability initiatives and supply chain strengths, with several showing interest in developing long-term sourcing partnerships.
AEPC Highlights India’s Global Apparel Opportunity
“Bharat Tex 2026 has been the most successful edition of Bharat Tex so far. The overwhelming response from international buyers, premium global brands and sourcing leaders reflects growing confidence in India’s manufacturing capabilities and reinforces our position as a trusted global sourcing destination,” said Dr. A. Sakthivel, Chairman, AEPC.
“The operationalisation of the India–UK CETA, along with FTAs signed with 38 countries, opens unprecedented opportunities for Indian apparel exporters. Bharat Tex 2026 has further strengthened India’s apparel ecosystem and will accelerate exports, investments and employment,” he added.
Dr. Sakthivel thanked the Ministry of Textiles, participating State Governments, the Bharat Tex Organising Committee, international buyers, exhibitors and industry stakeholders for their contribution to the event. He also appreciated the planning and execution by the Bharat Tex management team.
AEPC reaffirmed its commitment to building on the momentum generated by Bharat Tex 2026 and further strengthening India’s position as a leading global apparel sourcing destination.
