Industrialists identify investment, technological upgradation, self-reliance and skill development as the key to industrial growth
Lucknow, September 2026 : Describing UP Textile Conclave-2026 as an important initiative to develop Uttar Pradesh as one of the country's major textile and technical textile hubs, leading industry representatives appreciated the state's efforts in investment, modern technology, skill development, and self-reliance. The speakers said Uttar Pradesh has a strong industrial base, a young workforce, a rich traditional textile heritage, and a vast market; by leveraging these strengths, the state can play an important role in the global textile supply chain.
Manoj Gupta, Chairman of MKU Limited and a leading industrialist in the defence and security sector, said Uttar Pradesh can become a major hub for producing technical textiles and high-performance materials used in the defense sector. He described the establishment of the PM Mitra Mega Textile Park in Lucknow-Hardoi as a historic step toward including the state among the country's major textile manufacturing states. He pointed out that India still largely depends on imports for several strategic materials used in the defense sector. His group has established a state-of-the-art manufacturing unit for advanced materials and sciences spanning about three hectares in the Kanpur Defense Corridor, where polyethylene-based high-performance fabric is produced for bulletproof jackets and helmets. "By developing a complete ecosystem in Uttar Pradesh, from high-performance fibres to finished products, Atmanirbhar Bharat can be strengthened. Increasing production of such strategic materials in the country will not only meet the requirements of the defense sector but also reduce dependence on foreign countries. This will also expand opportunities for new industrial units, investment and employment in the state."
Ravi Sam, Vice Chairman of Texprocil and Chairman of the South India Textile Research Association, observed that despite global uncertainties and geopolitical challenges, the world's attention is on India. "Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India's global standing has strengthened, and the free trade agreements signed with various countries have created new opportunities for the Indian textile industry." He noted that Uttar Pradesh's textile exports are continuously increasing and that the state has immense potential to advance rapidly in this sector. Emphasizing skill development, capacity expansion, sustainability, traceability, and time-bound supply, he said that by developing modern, world-class textile processing facilities, Uttar Pradesh can meet global quality standards.
He stated that Uttar Pradesh has the blessings of Lord Shri Ram, Shri Krishna, Baba Vishwanath and Maa Vindhyavasini. Along with this, the global recognition of products such as Banarasi textiles and carpets from Mirzapur and Bhadohi reflects the state's rich textile heritage. "By connecting these traditional strengths with modern technology, investment and better processing facilities, Uttar Pradesh can achieve new heights in the textile sector." He expressed confidence that with the right strategy and world-class infrastructure, Uttar Pradesh can become the country's leading textile hub.
Ketan Sanghvi, Director of ITME Society and Lakshmi Shuttleless Looms Private Limited, said India has significant opportunities in textile machinery manufacturing. Describing the Uttar Pradesh government's plan to develop a dedicated textile machinery park over approximately 1000 acres around Kanpur as commendable, he pointed out that in some sectors, India's import dependence for machinery is as high as 80 to 90 percent. "Local manufacturing will reduce imports, save foreign exchange and strengthen 'Make in India'."
He said developing a strong base for textile machinery manufacturing in Uttar Pradesh will also promote ancillary industries related to machinery and attract new investment in the state. "This will make the machinery required by the textile industry available locally, while reducing production costs and the time required for supply." He said that to take this objective forward, ITME Society will organize an international textile machinery exhibition at India Expo Mart in Greater Noida from December 4 to 9, where companies from around 40 countries and more than 3500 machines will be showcased. "This event will prove to be an important platform for new technologies, investment and global cooperation."
Industry excited about large-scale investments in UP: Rami Reddy
Ramky Group Chairman says discipline, security and better infrastructure under CM Yogi’s leadership will make Uttar Pradesh a major textile industry hub
The industry is excited about making large-scale investments to make Uttar Pradesh the leading state in the country in the textile industry sector. At the inaugural ceremony of the 'UP Textile Conclave-2026', former Rajya Sabha member, industrialist, social worker, and founder and chairman of Ramky Group Alla Ayodhya Rami Reddy strongly praised the favorable environment for investment in Uttar Pradesh.
Praising the rapid development under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and the improved industrial environment, he said, "Uttar Pradesh has now emerged as an important destination offering investment and development opportunities for industries."
Rami Reddy said, "Just as the country is progressing at the pace under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is also taking Uttar Pradesh forward in the same direction with new thinking, discipline and control. The environment of discipline, control and security in the state instills confidence among industrialists to invest. Industrialists want to invest their money only where they get a stable and reliable environment along with security."
He further added, "Uttar Pradesh is not only the largest state in the country but is also rich in resources. Strong political and administrative leadership in the state is giving the industry confidence that investment can be made here and businesses can be expanded. This has further strengthened the possibilities of large-scale industrial investment in the state."
Mr Reddy stated, "The textile industry is one of the oldest and most important industries in the country. This sector is developing in different parts of the country, but Tamil Nadu has made remarkable progress in the textile industry. To make Uttar Pradesh the number one state in the country in this sector, it will have to learn from the successful experiences of states such as Tamil Nadu and prepare a concrete vision and action plan suited to its own circumstances. For this, the state government and the industry will have to move forward together."
He said the textile industry centers and parks being developed at four to five locations around Lucknow and across the state are an important first step in this direction. This makes it clear that the Yogi government is working seriously on the textile industry and is preparing for the long-term development of this sector. The state government's assurance of a stable environment, better infrastructure, and affordable essential services is important for the industry.
He added that bringing the best private-sector industrial units to these centers with the 'walk to work' concept will benefit both industry and workers and help the textile industry progress rapidly.
Rami Reddy said large-scale investment is needed in Uttar Pradesh's textile sector, and the industry is committed to it. The industry across the country is hopeful about the development taking place in Uttar Pradesh's textile sector and is eager to be part of this development journey.
He expressed confidence that in the coming time, Uttar Pradesh will establish a strong identity not only on the country's textile industry map but also on the global textile industry map.
On this occasion, Precot Limited Chairman and Managing Director and Vice President of the Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI) Ashwin Chandran stated, "The Indian textile and apparel industry is entering a period of significant transformation. Amid changes in the global supply chain, buyers are now prioritizing quality, technology, sustainability, productivity, and timely supply along with cost."
He said India has the entire textile value chain, from raw materials to finished products, as well as a vast domestic market. Over the next 5 years, the target is to increase the Indian textile and apparel market from the current approximately $180 billion to around $350 billion and exports from around $37 billion to $100 billion. This will require large-scale expansion, an integrated industrial ecosystem, technological upgradation, and increased use of artificial intelligence and robotics.
Chandran stated, "Uttar Pradesh has a young workforce, a strong MSME base, textile and apparel clusters, a rich tradition of handloom and handicrafts, and a vast domestic market. The state can play a major role in technical textiles, sustainable and recycled products, and high-value home textiles. Stable policies, ready infrastructure, electricity and water at competitive rates, better transportation, skilled human resources and speedy approvals are essential for the expansion of the industry."
He added that, to compete in the global market, special attention will also have to be paid to quality, productivity, sustainability, supply monitoring and compliance.
Referring to various initiatives of the Uttar Pradesh Skill Development Mission, he stated, "CITI is working on skill development in the textile sector under the Samarth Scheme with the Government of India. Based on this experience, the organization is ready to work with the Uttar Pradesh government to help prepare a skilled workforce in line with future requirements for existing industrial clusters and new investment projects."
