UK–India Textile Machinery Coalition Launched To Strengthen Bilateral Industry Ties
The British Textile Machinery Association (BTMA), in collaboration with the India ITME Society, has officially launched the UK–India Textile Machinery Coalition (UKITMC) at the India ITME Centre in Mumbai, creating a dedicated platform to strengthen cooperation between the textile machinery sectors of both countries.
The initiative was inaugurated by Vrunda Desai, Chief Guest Vrunda Desai, Textile Commissioner of India, in the presence of Mark Birrell, Trade Counsellor for South Asia, Department for Business and Trade (DBT), British Deputy High Commission. Industry leaders, including Jason Kent, Chief Executive Officer, BTMA; Ketan Sanghvi, Chairman, India ITME Society; Mark Jarvis, Chief Strategy Officer, Fibre2Fashion and Amol Monga, Director, Strayfield Ltd, also participated.
The coalition is designed as a long-term industry platform to connect Indian textile manufacturers with UK machinery and technology providers. It aims to promote technology transfer, foster joint partnerships and accelerate the adoption of automation, digitalisation and sustainable manufacturing practices across the textile value chain.
India’s textile and apparel sector, targeting a $350 billion market by 2030, is undergoing rapid expansion supported by government initiatives such as PM MITRA parks and the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for technical textiles. With more than half of Indian mills expected to upgrade machinery in the coming years, the coalition seeks to support informed investment and faster technology adoption.
Speaking at the event, officials highlighted the importance of international collaboration in advancing productivity, sustainability and export competitiveness. UK representatives also noted that the expected implementation of the India–UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA), including zero-duty access on select textile machinery, will further enhance bilateral trade opportunities.
Industry leaders described UKITMC as a structured mechanism to bridge the gap between technology providers and end-users, enabling Indian manufacturers to access advanced UK engineering capabilities known for precision and efficiency.
The platform will facilitate webinars, trade delegations, exhibitions and industry forums to encourage knowledge exchange and strategic partnerships. It will also promote energy-efficient machinery and circular textile solutions aligned with global sustainability goals.
Launched ahead of India ITME 2026, the coalition is expected to play a key role in strengthening UK–India industrial cooperation and supporting the modernization of India’s textile machinery ecosystem.
