Strategic leadership shift at ASSOCHAM to drive India’s $350 billion textile vision

The appointment of Updeep Singh as Chairman, National Council on Textiles, ASSOCHAM comes at a critical juncture as India aggressively pursues a $100 billion export target by 2030. Industry analysts say, this leadership shift signals a transition from volume-based manufacturing to a ‘Trusted from India’ model, prioritizing high-value technical textiles and traceable supply chains. The sector currently contributes approximately 2.3 per cent to India’s GDP, but volatility in raw material pricing, highlighted by the recent 12 per cent rise in cotton yarn costs remains a hurdle.

Singh’s agenda emphasizes policy predictability and MSME integration into global value chains as the primary catalysts for resilience. Success in this capital-intensive market requires moving beyond simple capacity expansion to integrated ecosystems that leverage technical textile innovations in healthcare and defense, say experts. By focusing on quality compliance and sustainability, the council aims to reduce the impact of rising logistics costs and geopolitical trade shifts. The integration of advanced spinning technologies and recycled fiber benchmarks will be essential to maintaining a competitive edge as global brands tighten ESG requirements. This oversight is expected to bridge the gap between large-scale industrial output and the agility required by modern apparel retail markets.

ASSOCHAM is a premier apex trade chamber in India representing over 450,000 members across various industrial sectors. It influences national policy and fosters international trade relations to drive economic growth. The organization is currently focused on digital transformation and sustainable industrial practices to boost India’s position in the global economy.