Archive · 9 Oct 2026
India’s Textile and Safety Sectors Target Major Growth
India wants its textile and clothing industry to grow from $196 billion to $350 billion.
Technical textiles, which include protective clothing and other safety materials, are growing quickly.
Government programs have supported companies, research projects and jobs in this area.
At OSH India 2026 in Mumbai, businesses and officials discussed workplace safety and new equipment.
The event included more than 300 exhibiting brands and participants from over 13 countries.
Officials also discussed safety and support for Indian seafarers.
India currently supplies nearly 325,000 seafarers and wants them to make up a larger share of the world’s seafaring workforce.
The articles link this goal with stronger maritime safety measures and demand for better equipment.
India’s textile and apparel economy is projected to grow from $196 billion to $350 billion, with technical textiles a fast-growing area.
The government’s PLI scheme approved 170 companies, whose investments exceeded Rs 8,100 crore and generated 33,000 jobs.
The National Technical Textiles Mission has an outlay of Rs 1,480 crore and approved 186 research projects.
OSH India 2026 ran in Mumbai from October 7 to 9, featuring more than 300 brands and participants from over 13 countries.
India aims to increase its share of the global seafaring workforce from 12% to 20%, alongside efforts to strengthen maritime safety.
- Who
- Government officials, textile and safety businesses, and maritime representatives took part in or discussed the initiatives.
- What
- OSH India 2026 showcased workplace safety products and technology amid government-backed growth initiatives for technical textiles and maritime safety.
- When
- OSH India 2026 ran October 7–9, 2026.
- Where
- Mumbai, India.
- Why
- The initiatives aim to expand manufacturing and employment, reduce import dependence, improve workplace and maritime safety, and increase India's share of the global seafaring workforce.
Growth and modernization
Safety and worker protection
Industrial growth and worker safeguards
Growth and modernization
Officials described PLI support, simplified compliance, digital governance and industrial expansion as ways to encourage investment and employment.
Safety and worker protection
Officials emphasized that safety must be integrated into work and manufacturing, including protective equipment and safeguards for women working night shifts.
Expanding seafaring workforce
Growth and modernization
India aims to increase its share of the global seafaring workforce from 12% to 20%.
Safety and worker protection
The maritime initiatives described at the event focus on onboard safety and digital, round-the-clock grievance support as the workforce grows.
- Textile and apparel market ambition
- Growth from $196 billion to $350 billion
- Technical textiles growth
- Around 12% CAGR
- PLI scheme
- 170 approved companies; over Rs 8,100 crore invested and 33,000 jobs generated
- National Technical Textiles Mission
- Rs 1,480 crore outlay; 186 research projects approved
- OSH India 2026
- Held in Mumbai from October 7 to 9; more than 300 exhibiting brands
- Seafarers from India
- Nearly 3.25 lakh Indians serve at sea
- Global seafaring workforce target
- Raise India's share from 12% to 20%
- Indian PPE market projection
- Estimated at $2.42 billion in 2026 and projected to reach nearly $4.84 billion by 2033