The 17th edition of FICCI TAG 2026 opened in Mumbai with a focus on India’s next-generation textile ecosystem. The conference brought together policymakers, manufacturers, exporters, technology providers and industry leaders.
The event was held under the theme “Nurturing the Next-Gen Indian Textile Ecosystem: Modern Facilities, Stronger Value Chains, Wider Global Reach.”
FICCI-Wazir Textile Report Released
Maharashtra Textile Minister Sanjay Savkare and Textile Commissioner Vrunda Manohar Desai jointly unveiled the FICCI-Wazir Annual Textile Industry Report 2026.
The report highlights modernisation, automation, digitalisation, artificial intelligence, sustainable value chains and market diversification as key areas for textile industry growth.
Savkare called for greater industry consolidation and collaboration. He also highlighted the need for investment in modern manufacturing infrastructure. These measures, he said, can support Maharashtra’s textile exports and improve competitiveness.
Desai highlighted policy initiatives and India’s growing network of Free Trade Agreements. She urged the textile industry to explore new export opportunities linked to these agreements.
Automation and AI Gain Focus
Prashant Agarwal, Managing Director, Wazir Advisors, presented the report findings. He highlighted automation, digitalisation and AI as important drivers of future competitiveness.
He also stressed the need to attract young engineering talent. Innovation-led manufacturing ecosystems can support long-term industry development.
The first session focused on scale, automation and data-driven operations. Discussions covered spinning, weaving, processing and garmenting. Industry leaders also discussed skills needed for modern textile factories.
Sustainable Value Chains and New Markets
The second session examined stronger and sustainable textile value chains. Discussions covered higher-value products, the MMF ecosystem and sustainability practices.
The session also discussed initiatives such as PM MITRA and PLI. Industry experts highlighted collaborative infrastructure and common facilities as ways to improve efficiency.
The third session focused on FTAs and new export markets. Discussions covered the India-UK FTA, the proposed India-EU trade agreement and markets across Africa, Latin America, West Asia and Southeast Asia.
R K Mishra, Additional DGFT, discussed the potential of FTAs to expand market access. He also encouraged textile companies to use e-commerce channels for international markets.
Kumar Anshuman, General Manager, ECGC Ltd, highlighted ECGC support and risk-cover options for textile exporters.
FICCI TAG 2026 highlighted technology, modern infrastructure, sustainable value chains, skilled talent and wider market access as key areas for India’s textile sector.
