Archive · 5 Sep 2026
India’s Textile Industry Prepares for Expected EU FTA Gains
India is preparing for a possible trade agreement with the European Union.
The agreement is expected to begin early next year.
Indian textile officials visited France and Italy to meet European businesses.
They spoke with retailers, clothing brands and luxury companies.
Indian exporters hope the agreement will reduce or remove some import duties.
This could make Indian clothing and textile products more competitive in Europe.
A new partnership will also connect India with international fashion and sourcing groups.
Officials are proposing a centre in Milan to help Indian exporters work more closely with European buyers.
India’s textile delegation visited France and Italy to expand European market access ahead of the expected FTA.
Officials met retailers and fashion companies including Monoprix, Okaidi, Chanel and LVMH in Paris.
Bharat Tex Trade Federation and Première Vision SA signed a multiyear partnership agreement on September 2.
The proposed India-EU FTA could provide preferential or zero-duty access for Indian textile and apparel exports.
A proposed Immersion Centre in Milan would connect Indian exporters with European buyers, brands and industry stakeholders.
- Who
- India’s Ministry of Textiles, trade bodies and textile exporters, along with European retailers and fashion companies.
- What
- The Indian textile industry is expanding European outreach and preparing for the expected India-European Union Free Trade Agreement.
- When
- The delegation visited France and Italy; the Bharat Tex Trade Federation and Première Vision SA signed their agreement on September 2, 2026. The FTA is expected to take effect early next year, following negotiations concluded in January 2026.
- Where
- France and Italy, including Paris and a proposed Immersion Centre in Milan.
- Why
- To strengthen relationships with European buyers and improve market access and competitiveness for Indian textile and apparel exports.
- Expected FTA timing
- The India-European Union Free Trade Agreement is expected to come into effect early next year.
- EU textile and apparel imports
- Approximately $292.8 billion in 2025.
- India’s textile and apparel exports to the EU
- Approximately $10.4 billion.
- Paris retail meeting
- The delegation met Monoprix, which operates more than 500 stores across France.
- Children’s fashion meeting
- The delegation met Okaidi, which operates around 890 stores across 51 countries.
- New partnership
- Bharat Tex Trade Federation and Première Vision SA signed a multiyear institutional partnership agreement on September 2.
- Proposed Milan initiative
- An Immersion Centre would connect Indian exporters with European buyers, brands and industry stakeholders.