MANTRA, Ratanmoti Texfab forge landmark technical textiles partnership at Bharat Tex 2026

NEW DELHI: India took a significant step towards becoming a global leader in advanced textile manufacturing as The Man-Made Textiles Research Association (MANTRA), Integrated Textiles and Apparel Development Centre (ITADC) and Ratanmoti Texfab (India) Private Limited signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during Bharat Tex 2026, the country’s largest global textile exhibition organised by the Ministry of Textiles.

The Technical Textiles MoU Bharat Tex 2026 is expected to strengthen research, innovation, technology transfer and commercialization of high-performance textile products, while supporting the national missions of Atmanirbhar Bharat, Make in India and Viksit Bharat 2047.

The agreement was signed between MANTRA, a national research institute recognised by the Ministry of Textiles, ITADC centres at Pandesara and Sachin in Surat, and Maharashtra-based Ratanmoti Texfab (India) Private Limited, a leading manufacturer and exporter of quality fabrics with a growing presence in technical textiles.

The MoU signing took place in the presence of Textile Commissioner Vrinda Manohar Desai (IRS) and Additional Textile Commissioner Ajay Pandit, highlighting the Government of India’s commitment to promoting industry-research collaboration in priority sectors.

The partnership will focus on joint research and development, product innovation, technology transfer, prototype development, product testing, skill development and industry training. Special emphasis will be placed on defence textiles, protective textiles, SportsTech and high-performance industrial textile products.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Pankaj Gandhi, Director of MANTRA, said the collaboration would strengthen India’s self-reliance in technical textiles.

“This partnership will play a crucial role in reducing dependence on imports and developing high-value textile products. It will become a milestone in the advancement of defence, security, sports and industrial textiles,” he said.

Ritesh Patni, Director of Ratanmoti Texfab, said the partnership would combine industry expertise with MANTRA’s advanced research capabilities.

“Our collaboration with MANTRA will provide the Indian textile industry access to advanced research, modern testing facilities and globally competitive technical textile products,” Patni said.

Textile Commissioner Vrinda Manohar Desai said the Government of India is actively encouraging collaboration between research institutions and industry to build a globally competitive technical textiles ecosystem.

“Partnerships like this will accelerate innovation, strengthen self-reliance and contribute significantly to the development of high-value textile products in India,” she said.

Additional Textile Commissioner Ajay Pandit described technical textiles as one of India’s fastest-growing sectors.

“The synergy between government, research institutions and industry will help India emerge as a global leader in technical textiles. This MoU is an inspiring model for innovation, technology transfer and skill development,” he said.