India Textile Industry: Growth, Key Players, and Export Trends

The India textile industry, a major driver of employment and exports in India, producing everything from raw cotton to high-end technical fabrics for global markets. Also known as Indian textile manufacturing, it supports over 45 million jobs and contributes nearly 11% to the country’s industrial output. This isn’t just about saris and shirting—it’s a complex ecosystem of spinning mills, dyeing units, garment factories, and export houses that move billions in goods every year.

The Arvind Ltd, India’s top textile company in 2025, known for its vertical integration, export reach, and innovation in denim and technical textiles, leads the pack. But it’s not alone. States like Gujarat and Tamil Nadu are home to clusters of small and mid-sized manufacturers that supply global brands like H&M, Zara, and Walmart. The industry’s growth isn’t accidental—it’s fueled by the PLI scheme, a government incentive program that rewards manufacturers for increasing production and exports, and by rising demand for sustainable and technical textiles in Europe and North America.

Exports are shifting too. In 2024, the top buyers weren’t just traditional markets like the US and UK—they included Bangladesh, Vietnam, and even African nations looking for affordable, high-quality fabric. The rise of technical textiles, specialized fabrics used in medical, automotive, and protective gear instead of clothing is changing the game. These aren’t your grandfather’s cotton shirts—they’re flame-resistant uniforms, antimicrobial hospital linens, and geotextiles for road construction. And they’re where the real margins are.

Automation is creeping in. Factories that once relied on handlooms are now installing computerized knitting machines and digital printing systems. Workers are being retrained—not replaced. The government’s push for skill development means more women in rural areas are learning to operate high-speed looms, and small businesses are getting access to low-cost financing through PMEGP. It’s not perfect, but progress is real.

What you’ll find below are clear, no-fluff insights into how this industry actually works. From who’s winning the export race to which states are pulling ahead, from the real impact of PLI schemes to the hidden players behind India’s textile boom—you’ll get the facts without the hype. No theory. No jargon. Just what’s happening, who’s doing it, and why it matters.