ITAMMA Highlights the VIKSIT BHARAT-2047 Vision at ITM 20

ITAMMA President Omprakash Mantry and Director General (Tech) N.D. Mhatre emphasized the association’s commitment to supporting India’s “VIKSIT BHARAT-2047” vision through a series of technology, innovation, and skill-development initiatives aimed at strengthening the country’s textile engineering industry.

The officials stated that ITAMMA has been closely associated with ITM Exhibitions for many years and appreciates the remarkable progress achieved by the exhibition in terms of organization, communication, and engagement with both exhibitors and visitors. According to them, these developments continue to create greater value for all stakeholders participating in each edition of ITM.

Mantry and Mhatre noted that more than 20 of the 32 Indian exhibitors participating in ITM 2026 are ITAMMA members, reflecting the association’s strong presence in the international textile machinery sector.

Highlighting the importance of the Indian Textile Engineering Industry (TEI), they explained that the sector serves as the backbone of one of India’s largest economic industries, with an installed capacity of approximately 50 million spinning spindles and one of the highest concentrations of shuttleless looms in the world.

They pointed out that the Indian textiles and apparel industry is projected to continue its strong growth trajectory, with expectations of reaching significant market value by 2030. The sector remains the second-largest employer in India after agriculture, directly employing more than 45 million people, over half of whom are women, while indirectly supporting an additional 60 to 100 million people across related industries.

According to the ITAMMA representatives, India has more than 3,400 textile mills operating in the organized sector, while nearly 80 percent of the country’s production capacity is concentrated within unorganized MSME clusters. Although the domestic production capacity of the Textile Engineering Industry has historically been valued at over ₹11,000 crore, actual production has remained around ₹6,800–7,000 crore due to fluctuating domestic demand and the continued dependence on imported machinery.

They also highlighted the rapid expansion of the technical textiles segment, which is currently valued at approximately US$29 billion and is expected to grow substantially, with a target of reaching US$309 billion by 2047.

The officials further explained that the Indian government is actively supporting the modernization of the textile engineering sector through major initiatives such as the PM MITRA Scheme, with an outlay of ₹4,445 crore, and the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Textiles, which has an approved outlay of ₹10,683 crore. These programs aim to strengthen manufacturing capabilities and enhance India’s global competitiveness.

In addition, they noted that 100 percent Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) is permitted in the sector under the automatic route, helping attract billions of dollars in investments over recent decades. Under India’s Vision 2047 roadmap, the country aims to achieve textile and apparel exports of US$600 billion, a domestic market size of US$1.8 trillion, and a technical textiles market worth US$309 billion.

Despite the industry’s growth, Mantry and Mhatre acknowledged that nearly 80 percent of textile machinery used in India is still imported. They stressed that this presents a challenge, particularly for MSME-based textile engineering companies, as they strive to contribute to national initiatives such as “Make in India,” “Atma Nirbhar Bharat,” and “Vocal for Local,” all of which support the broader goal of creating a developed India under the VIKSIT BHARAT vision.

To address these challenges, ITAMMA organizes technology scouting missions and facilitates collaboration between industry members and research institutions. The association also conducts training programs in 5S, Kaizen, Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma Yellow Belt and Green Belt methodologies, helping member companies enhance workforce skills, improve waste management practices, increase productivity, conserve energy, and implement international quality standards such as ISO, ZED, and TUV certifications.

The officials also highlighted the establishment of the “B.K. Mehta Technology Networking Mission Task Force-2030,” created under the guidance of the late visionary industrialist and philanthropist B.K. Mehta. The initiative aims to bring together academia, research institutions, government bodies, industry experts, and other stakeholders at both national and international levels while promoting innovation throughout the textile sector.

They explained that the platform supports knowledge sharing and technological advancement in areas including metallurgy, automation, mechanisms, heat treatment, surface finishing, engineering systems, lubricants, lean manufacturing, company turnaround strategies, 3D modeling, mechatronics, reverse engineering, Six Sigma methodologies, and the Theory of Constraints.

Taking the initiative a step further, ITAMMA has launched an “Innovation Scouting Mission” through the ITAMMA Technology Development Fund. This program encourages students to explore opportunities for developing innovative products, processes, and infrastructure solutions through direct interaction and factory visits to ITAMMA member companies. The initiative focuses on improving productivity, enhancing product quality, reducing waste, and lowering production costs.

Concluding their remarks, Mantry and Mhatre stated that ITAMMA’s various initiatives are helping engage the next generation of talent while promoting digitalization, smart manufacturing, and artificial intelligence across the textile engineering sector. They emphasized that these efforts will play an important role in supporting the future growth of India’s textile machinery industry and contributing to the realization of the nation’s VIKSIT BHARAT-2047 vision.

The officials also thanked the organizers of ITM 2026 for providing ITAMMA with a complimentary stand and an international platform to showcase its services and engage with global industry leaders. They extended their best wishes for the continued success of the exhibition.