India’s handloom ‘Hub-and-Export’ model targets $350B global handloom fashion market
19 November 2025, Mumbai
Union Minister of Textiles, Giriraj Singh, unveiled the new Hub-and-Export model at the IITF Textiles Pavilion, themed "Vastra Kala: Bharat ki Virasat." The plan aims to professionalize the entire value chain—from raw material support and design intervention to technology and market linkages—to elevate India’s diverse craftsmanship onto the global fashion stage. This shift capitalizes on the rising global demand for ethical and sustainable handmade apparel, reinforcing India's 5,800-year legacy of hand-weaving as a competitive advantage.
Mitigating Trade Headwinds: Niche market resilience
This ambitious growth strategy is crucial, as the overall textile and apparel sector faces immediate headwinds. Recent data shows exports registered a steep 12.91% year-on-year decline in October 2025, largely driven by the imposition of US tariffs. However, the traditional, high-value segment exhibits inherent resilience, with textile exports to 111 countries, including emerging markets like Japan and Spain, growing 10% in the first half of the fiscal year. This solidifies the strategic importance of artisan-led production.
Linking 7 mn artisans to the $350B economic vision
The Ministry aims to boost the industry from its current $165 billion size to a robust $350 billion, viewing the global trade challenge as an opportunity for market diversification. This momentum mirrors the success of enterprises like Fabindia, which have demonstrated the viability of scaling artisanal products worldwide. The new model is designed to ensure that the livelihoods of India’s seven million artisans are directly integrated into the sector's fashion-forward global footprint.
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