Pabitra Margherita, Hon’ble Union Minister of State for Textiles and External Affairs, Government of India inaugurated the 73rd Edition of India International Garment Fair (IIGF) on 1st July 2025, here today. The inauguration took place in presence of Chairman AEPC Sudhir Sekhri, prominent industry leaders and a large number of international buyers and exhibitors.
Delivering his inaugural address Margherita said, “73rd edition of the India International Garment Fair (IIGF) is Asia’s largest and most dynamic garment fair. This fair is not just a showcase of fabrics and fashion; it is a celebration of the creativity, craftsmanship, and confidence of Indians. This year, with an exhibition area of over 21,000 square metres and participation from buyers across 80 countries spanning North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia, Oceania, Africa, and Eurasia—this edition reaffirms the growing global trust in Indian textiles.”
Minster further underlined, “Under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Param Adarniya Narendra Modi ji, and the guidance of Hon’ble Minister of Textiles Giriraj Singh ji, the Ministry is focused on expanding India’s global footprint in textiles and apparel. We are not just aiming for volumes—we are working towards value, versatility, and visibility.”
The textile and apparel industry contributes 2.3% to India’s GDP, 13% to industrial production, and 12% to exports. In 2023–24 alone, we exported textile products worth $34.4 billion, with apparel accounting for 42% of that. We now aim to cross $100 billion in textile exports by 2030, and every MSME, every entrepreneur, every exporter has a role in achieving this, Margherita underlined.
With over 80% of India’s textile sector being MSME-driven, it is important to focus on boosting productivity, ensuring steady raw material supply, and reducing import dependence to stay competitive, the Minister added.
Highlighting on the road ahead, the Minister underlined, “On the trade front, the India–UK Free Trade Agreement, and our ongoing negotiations with the EU and US, will open new avenues for growth. These are high-value, quality-conscious markets, and we are committed to equipping Indian exporters with the right strategy, standards, and compliance to seize these opportunities.”
Commenting on the 73rd Edition of IIGF Sudhir Sekhri, Chairman AEPC and IGFA said, “I am happy to share that IIGF will provide a strong platform for the Indian apparel exporters to capitalize on India’s momentum for growth. India’s textile sector is at a pivotal moment, where acceptability of ‘Made in India’ brands is more than ever before in the global sourcing arena. With the right policy push, innovation, and global partnerships, this could be the decade where India emerges not just as a volume player, but a value-added global garment exports powerhouse.”
Further Chairman AEPC noted, “With the geopolitical realignment of supply chains, Government policy push & incentives, sustainability practices & availability of natural fibers coupled with the skill heritage and digitization India’s garment exports is poised to touch 40 billion USD target by 2030. The 12.8% cumulative growth of the first two months of this FY 2025-26 in apparel exports is a testament of this progress. This is despite the global headwinds such as war in the Middle East, war between Russia-Ukraine, global logistical challenge, tariff uncertainty by the US and slowdown in many global markets. We are extremely hopeful that this year, the apparel export industry will touch new milestones.”
Despite this tough time and global disturbances, we have kept pace by registering cumulative RMG exports growth of 12.8% amounting USD 2882.9 million for the period April- May 2025-26 compared to the April- May 2024-25. We are now exporting our products to more than 185 countries, Chairman AEPC added.
The 73rd edition of IIGF focuses upon showcasing latest apparel trends tailored to meet the requirements of the European Union, USA, and other Western markets. A large number of them are based on sustainable manufacturing practices. This year’s event will highlight India’s prowess in design, pattern and technological advancements, reflecting our unwavering commitment to innovation and responsible production.
While highlighting the objective of the Fair, Chairman AEPC stated that, IIGF will support MSMEs by helping them enter and grow in international markets while showcasing the latest fashion collections to a global audience. This will also facilitate buyer connections and drive industry growth through exposure and engagement.
The India International Garment Fair features 361 exporters showcasing across 9,375 sq. mtrs. The fair features participation from 12 states across India. Key participating states include: Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, West Bengal and Haryana.
The total number of countries represented in 73rd IIGF is 79. The show is having the global brands and retail chain participation in large numbers. Apparel Group, Western International Group, Lulu Group International (UAE); One Brand Apparel, POL CLOTHING, INC. (USA); Lola Casademunt, Signes Grimalt Artesania (Spain); Delta Galil Industries (Hong Kong); Natura Invicta LDA, Alex Group SRL (Italy); MN Inter-Fashion Ltd, Abahouse International Co.(Japan); Fiaisal Al Rasheed Group of Company (Kuwait); Natura Invicta (Portugal); M A Alabdulkarim & Co. Ltd., Imtiaz Al Arabia (Saudi Arabia), Debenhams Group (UK), etc. are few names which will explore sourcing during IIGF.
The Fair is jointly organized by: Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) and International Garment Fair Association (IGFA) and is supported by: Garment Exporters & Manufacturers Association (GEMA), Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI), Garment Exporters Association of Rajasthan (GEAR).
