Dr Pankaj Gandhi Highlights Technical Textiles at Delhi Conclave

NEW DELHI: Surat’s textile expertise received a national spotlight at the Textile Conclave 2026 in New Delhi, where Dr Pankaj Gandhi, Director of MANTRA, addressed textile MSMEs from across India on the growing opportunities in Technical Textiles and technology-driven textile applications.

Organised by the Laghu Udyog Bharati (LUB) Textile Division at India Habitat Centre on October 1, the conclave brought together Union Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh, Textile Commissioner Vrunda Desai, senior government officials, industry leaders and experts under the theme “From Local Excellence to Global Leadership.”

Dr Gandhi presented Surat’s perspective on the transition from conventional textile manufacturing towards higher-value and technology-intensive products.

“Technical Textiles offer Indian MSMEs an opportunity to diversify beyond conventional textile manufacturing and enter high-value applications,” Dr Gandhi said, highlighting opportunities across healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture, automotive, defence, packaging, construction, sports, filtration and environmental protection.

He also emphasised the growing importance of advanced fibres, smart textiles, sustainable and bio-based materials, recycling, green manufacturing and Industry 4.0 in shaping the future of the sector.

According to Dr Gandhi, stronger collaboration between MSMEs, research organisations, academic institutions, Centres of Excellence and government agencies will be crucial for developing and commercialising new products.

He urged entrepreneurs to make greater use of research and development and testing infrastructure, develop customised products and explore international markets.

The presentation also highlighted the potential for Surat’s established textile ecosystem to expand into Technical Textiles, new-age fibres and advanced applications. The city’s manufacturing capabilities and entrepreneurial base, combined with research and innovation, could support the development of technology-led textile products.

The conclave also focused on global market access, quality raw materials, green manufacturing, exports, regulatory reforms and government support for textile MSMEs.

Dr Gandhi’s participation alongside senior policymakers and national textile experts provided representation for Surat’s research and textile ecosystem at a key national industry platform.

The discussions underscored the growing emphasis on moving India’s textile MSMEs towards higher-value, sustainable and globally competitive products, while strengthening collaboration between industry, research institutions and policymakers.