CONTEXT: TRANSFORMATIONAL SHIFT IN INDIA’S TECHNICAL TEXTILES

• Earlier seen as peripheral, technical textiles were import-reliant and underdeveloped in India.
• COVID-19 triggered a wake-up call—India rapidly scaled PPE production, showing domestic potential.
• Driven by Atmanirbhar Bharat, the government took strategic steps to make technical textiles a growth and security enabler.

CONCEPT: WHAT ARE TECHNICAL TEXTILES & WHY THEY MATTER

• Technical textiles = Function-oriented materials used in sectors like defence, healthcare, agriculture, infrastructure—not fashion.
• Examples: Bulletproof jackets, flame-retardant gear, surgical gowns, geo-grids, bio-protection suits.
• 12 segments: Agrotech, Meditech, Protech, Buildtech, Geotech, etc.
• Strategic materials like carbon fibre, UHMWPE, nylon 66 are critical for aerospace and defence.
• Global average: 27% of total textile output; India at 11%—but growing rapidly.

CURRENT: KEY INTERVENTIONS & IMPACT

National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM)

• ₹1,480 crore outlay; promotes R&D, innovation, skilling, and domestic adoption.
• 168 R&D projects funded; examples: fire entry suits, circular weaving tech.
• GREAT Scheme: 17 startups supported; over 2,000 students trained via 41 institutes & 16 skilling modules.
• Mandatory use of 73 technical textile items across sectors.
• Promotes Nature-based Solutions: jute in implants, silk in 3D printing, pashmina for insulation.

Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme

• ₹10,683 crore outlay; rewards performance in high-value manufacturing.
• 56.75% of selected firms focus on technical textiles.
• Rs 7,343 crore fresh investments → Rs 4,648 crore turnover; Rs 538 crore exports.
• Enabled by regular updates like HSN codes, FAQs, and early disbursements (₹54 crore in Feb 2025).

RESULTS & THE ROAD AHEAD

• Market size in 2024: USD 26 billion; projected USD 40–45 billion by 2030.
• FY 2024-25 exports: USD 2.9 billion; Rs 5,218 crore investments attracted.
• Over 8,500 jobs created; Rs 3,242 crore turnover from technical textiles alone.
• Domestic machinery projects worth Rs 68,000 crore underway.
• India is not just catching up—it is poised to lead the global technical textiles revolution.

MAINS QUESTION

• What are the strategic implications of developing a robust technical textiles industry in India, particularly in terms of national security, economic growth, and self-reliance?
• How can India leverage its technical textiles industry to promote sustainable development and environmental protection, particularly through the use of nature-based solutions?