Lok Sabha Question No. 452 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-07-22
Subject: Strengthen International Collaboration in Textile Sector
Ministry: TEXTILES
Asked by: Shri Damodar Agrawal

## STRENGTHEN INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATION IN TEXTILE SECTOR

## 452. SHRI DAMODAR AGRAWAL:

## Will the Minister of TEXTILES वस्त्र मंत्री be pleased to state :

(a) the details of the initiatives being undertaken to promote and strengthen international collaboration in the  textile  and  fashion  sector  between  Indian  textile  and  fashion  institutions  like  NIFT  and  global partners;

(b)  the  manner  in  which  the  said  initiatives  are  likely  to  contribute  to  the  global  competitiveness  of India's textiles and fashion sector;

(c) whether there are any plans to leverage such international collaborations to promote sustainable and innovative textile practices, while expanding India's presence in global textile education and research; and

(d) if so, the details thereof?

## उत्तर ANSWER वस्त्र मंत्री ( श्री गिररराज स ंह )

## MINISTER OF TEXTILES (SHRI GIRIRAJ SINGH)

(a): Ministry  has  supported  Export  Promotion  Councils/Associations  in  organizing  a  Global  Mega Textile  Event  i.e.  Bharat  TEX  2025  to  showcase  the  strength  of  the  Indian  textiles  value  chain, highlighting the latest progress/ innovations in textile & fashion Industry and positioning India as the most preferred destination for sourcing and investment in textile sector.

NIFT  has  established  formal  collaborations  with  over  22  institutions  across  more  than  14  countries, including the UK  France, Australia, Japan, the United States, New  Zealand,  Finland.. These collaborations  are  governed  through  MoUs  that  support  student  and  faculty  exchanges,  joint  research initiatives,  dual-degree  and  twinning  programs,  collaborative  curriculum  development,  and  global academic  immersion.  Notable  engagements  include  partnerships  with  institutions  such  as  FIT  (New York), UAL (UK), ENSAIT (France), and Bunka (Japan). Over the past five years, approximately 100 plus  NIFT  students  and  many  faculty  members  have  participated  in  international  exchange  programs, with reciprocal participation from global partner institutions.

(b): These international engagements enhance India's position in the global textile and fashion sector by fostering academic excellence, promoting innovation, and enabling knowledge transfer. They expose students and faculty to global design sensibilities, technological advancements, and emerging trends. By aligning curricula with international standards, these collaborations equip Indian graduates with the skills and insights needed to compete effectively in global markets and strengthen India's reputation as a hub for creative and technical expertise in textiles and fashion.

(c): NIFT is actively leveraging its international partnerships to promote sustainable and innovative practices  in  fashion  and  textile  education.  Several  collaborations  are  focused  on  sustainable  design strategies, ethical production, circular economy models, and textile systems, with specific relevance to SMEs based ecosystems.

(d): Through  its  international  collaborations,  NIFT  has  begun  integrating  global  sustainability frameworks into academic programs and research initiatives. Examples include:

-  Ongoing  engagement  with  institutions  like  FIT  (New  York)  and  UAL  (UK)  to  develop  joint modules on sustainable fashion and textiles and semester exchange a collaborative initiative with FTTI at UAL (UK) focusing on circularity, responsible fashion, and cultural sustainability;
-  Faculty  participation  in  global  forums  on  sustainable  textiles  and  climate-conscious  fashion practices;
-  Student  involvement  in  design  projects,  international  exhibitions,  and  exchange  programs highlighting sustainability.

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