“The recent disruptions in Bangladesh’s textile and apparel sector underscore the vulnerabilities inherent in concentrated global supply chains. Political unrest, catastrophic climate events, and energy crises can bring entire factories to a halt, causing chunks of garment orders to be delayed or lost. This upheaval has sent international buyers scrambling for stable alternatives and robust, cost-effective supply chains, with India emerging as a prime contender. Some greenshoots toward this shift are already visible, with exporters in Tirupur witnessing a surge in order placements.
India’s proven strengths in cotton yarn exports and its expanding infrastructure, bolstered by initiatives like the PLI Scheme for textiles, position it uniquely to absorb this redirected demand. However, this is not merely a matter of opportunity but of responsibility. As global brands navigate supply chain uncertainties, India must demonstrate its ability to deliver both scalability and sustainability. The latter has become an area of critical focus for almost all brands globally—emphasizing sustainability not just on the shop floor but also in the raw materials utilized in the manufacturing process.
The next decade will likely witness a recalibration of fashion supply chains, with India taking center stage due to its stable geopolitical landscape and government support for manufacturing. For India, the task is clear: invest aggressively in manufacturing infrastructure, sustainable practices, and workforce upskilling to cement its reputation as a reliable, innovative, and resilient manufacturing hub. This approach will enable India to shoulder greater global responsibilities while fostering local growth.”
