India-France Textile Cooperation Agreement

Summary Notes on India-France Textile and Fashion Cooperation

1. Strategic Partnership:

• India Textile Trade Federation (BTTF) and Première Vision SA signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on September 2, 2026, at the Première Vision exhibition in Paris.
• Aim: Strengthen India's participation in the global fashion and textile ecosystem through a multi-year institutional partnership.

2. Key Figures:

• The MoU was signed by Dr. A. Shaktivel, BTTF core committee member and chairman of the Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC), and Florence Roustan, CEO of Première Vision SA.
• The signing was attended by significant industry leaders and officials, including Neelam Shami Rao, Secretary of the Ministry of Textiles, and M. Bina, Commissioner for Handloom Development.

3. Background:

• This MoU is based on a Letter of Intent signed on July 14, 2026, during India Tex 2026, emphasizing continuous collaboration in trade, sourcing, design, sustainability, and heritage.
• The partnership is timely with the conclusion of negotiations for the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in January 2026.

4. Economic Impact:

• EU's global textile and apparel imports were approximately USD 292.8 billion in 2025.
• Current textile and apparel exports from India to the EU are about USD 10.4 billion.
• The FTA proposes preferential market access covering 96.8% of tariff lines, with expectations of duty-free status for 90.7% of exports based on trade value.

5. Government Initiatives:

• The partnership aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 5F vision, which focuses on "Farm to Fibre to Fashion to Foreign" as a comprehensive strategy for the textile sector.
• Aims to transition Indian textile exports from volume-based to high-value, design-centric segments.

6. Collaboration Areas:

• Delegation and Knowledge Sessions: Mutual participation in trade exhibitions, supported by joint export promotion and buyer-seller meetings.
• Export Promotion and Market Access: Joint initiatives to enhance market access and facilitate buyer-seller interactions.
• Sustainability: Promotion of circularity, traceability, and responsible production practices.
• Heritage and Craftsmanship: Establishment of a permanent craft collaboration to showcase Indian and French textile heritage, including a "Living Thread" exhibition in January 2027.

7. Outcomes Expected:

• Enhanced connection of Indian textile manufacturers, exporters, designers, and artisans with international buyers and premium sourcing networks.
• Increased competitiveness of Indian textiles in the EU market, particularly in clothing, fabrics, threads, and home textiles.

8. Implications for Indian Textile Sector:

• The partnership is expected to create significant opportunities for Indian exporters and enhance India's position as a sustainable, innovative, and high-value sourcing destination in the global fashion industry.
• It aims to showcase India's rich textile heritage while promoting sustainability in textile production.

This MoU marks a critical step in integrating India's textile sector into the global market, leveraging international collaborations to elevate the industry's standards and reach.