National Textiles Ministers’ Conference 2026 Opens in Guwahati to Shape India’s Textile Future

National Textiles Ministers’ Conference 2026 Kicks Off in Guwahati with Focus on Growth and Heritage

Guwahati is hosting the National Textiles Ministers’ Conference 2026, a key two-day summit inaugurated on January 8. Organised by the Union Ministry of Textiles in partnership with the Assam Government, the event convenes Textile Ministers and senior officials from all States and Union Territories to chart a strategic course for the future of India’s crucial textile sector.

Theme Aligned with National Ambitions
The conference is structured around the theme  “India’s Textiles: Weaving Growth, Heritage & Innovation.”  This aligns with the national goal of establishing India as a  global textile manufacturing hub by 2030 . Deliberations aim to balance economic expansion with cultural preservation, embodying the principle of  “Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi”  (Development as well as Heritage). Key focus areas include boosting exports, generating large-scale employment, and ensuring inclusive growth across the sector's value chain.

Inauguration and Showcase
The inaugural session was graced by  Union Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, and Minister of State for Textiles Pabitra Margherita . The event commenced with an exhibition that highlights India’s rich textile legacy, contemporary innovations, and manufacturing prowess, setting the stage for collaborative discussions.

Strategic Discussions on Policy and Growth
The agenda features in-depth sessions on critical areas such as:

• Developing  infrastructure and attracting investment .

• Strategies for  expanding textile exports .

• Ensuring a sustainable supply of  raw materials and fibres .

• Promoting  technical textiles and new-age fibres .

• Preserving and revitalizing  the handloom and handicrafts sector.
  Special emphasis will be placed on reviewing flagship schemes like the  PM Mega Integrated Textile Regions and Apparel (PM MITRA) Parks , discussing  sustainability and environmental compliance , and fostering  integrated value-chain development . States will share best practices and regional insights to build a stronger national textile ecosystem.

Special Focus on North-East India’s Potential
A significant highlight on January 8 is a dedicated conclave on  “Strengthening and Empowering the Textiles Sector of the North-Eastern Region of India.”  This session will explore leveraging the region’s unique strengths in  Eri, Muga, and Mulberry silk , bamboo-based textiles, handlooms, and handicrafts. Discussions will center on empowering women-led enterprises, enhancing branding, and improving market access for these distinctive products. The conference is poised to strengthen Centre-State synergy and outline a roadmap for a more competitive, sustainable, and inclusive textile industry.

Exam-Focused Points:

• The  National Textiles Ministers’ Conference 2026  is being held in  Guwahati, Assam  from  January 8 .

• Its theme is  “India’s Textiles: Weaving Growth, Heritage & Innovation,”  supporting the vision to make India a  global textile manufacturing hub by 2030 .

• Key schemes discussed include  PM MITRA (Mega Integrated Textile Regions and Apparel) Parks  for