Shahi Exports: Showcasing The Strength Of India’s Integrated Apparel Industry

Harish Ahuja speaks on Bharat Tex 2026, the value of global engagement and India’s evolving position as a preferred textile and apparel sourcing destination

For Shahi Exports, Bharat Tex 2026 has provided an important platform for the Indian textile and apparel industry to connect with global stakeholders and showcase the capabilities India has developed over the years. “Bharat Tex 2026 has been a valuable experience overall,” says Harish Ahuja.

The event brought together global buyers, business partners, government officials and industry stakeholders, creating opportunities for productive discussions on the current state and future direction of the sector. “It is encouraging to see the industry come together on a global platform,” Ahuja says.

For Ahuja, however, the long-term value of an event such as Bharat Tex extends beyond the four days of the exhibition. The real impact lies in the relationships, partnerships and business opportunities that continue to develop after the event concludes.

Building relationships beyond the exhibition
Shahi Exports views Bharat Tex primarily as an opportunity to strengthen existing relationships, engage with prospective partners and understand how customer priorities are evolving.

During the exhibition, the company interacted with existing customers, prospective buyers, industry partners and other stakeholders. According to Ahuja, the quality of the discussions was constructive and provided valuable insights into current market sentiment.

However, he believes it is too early to assess the immediate business outcomes of the event. “Business discussions initiated at industry events typically evolve over time, and we expect many of these conversations to continue in the coming months,” he says.

For Shahi, the exhibition provides an opportunity to exchange perspectives on the challenges and opportunities shaping the global textile and apparel industry while strengthening long-term business relationships.

Showcasing an integrated manufacturing model
Shahi Exports participated at Bharat Tex 2026 as the Legacy Partner, reflecting its more than five decades of contribution to India’s apparel manufacturing industry. The company’s showcase focused on the capabilities, values and partnerships that have shaped its growth over the years.

A key highlight was Shahi’s vertically integrated manufacturing platform, spanning knit, woven and denim manufacturing. The company also highlighted its ongoing investments in digital transformation, material innovation and sustainable manufacturing practices. Its integrated “yarn-to-garments” manufacturing model enables greater visibility, consistency and efficiency across the value chain.

According to Ahuja, this integration strengthens the company’s ability to deliver quality, efficiency, innovation and responsible manufacturing at scale.

The response from visitors and buyers was encouraging, with particular interest in Shahi’s vertically integrated capabilities and its approach to innovation and sustainability.

Strengthening India’s global image
Ahuja believes Bharat Tex plays an important role in presenting India’s textile and apparel capabilities to the world. The event provides international buyers with a single platform through which they can understand the breadth of India’s offerings from manufacturing capabilities and product diversity to advancements in technology and sustainability.

However, he believes that India’s long-term position as a preferred sourcing destination will depend on more than the success of any single exhibition. The country must consistently deliver on quality, reliability, competitiveness and responsible manufacturing.

In this context, Bharat Tex serves as an important catalyst. By bringing together manufacturers, buyers, policymakers, technology providers and other stakeholders, the event creates a platform for dialogue and collaboration across the value chain.

For Shahi Exports, the exhibition therefore represents both a showcase and a forum for engagement. As global sourcing strategies continue to evolve, India’s ability to combine scale, integration, innovation and responsible manufacturing will determine its success in capturing a larger share of global textile and apparel business.

Bharat Tex, according to Ahuja, is an important step in that journey — bringing the industry together, strengthening relationships and demonstrating the depth of India’s manufacturing capabilities to the world.