CMAI: Promoting India as premier global sourcing hub at Bharat Tex 2026

The Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI) has reinforced its strategic mandate to promote India as a premier global sourcing hub, spearheading a comprehensive showcase at Bharat Tex 2026. Representing over 7,000 members, the association has facilitated a massive contingent of more than 100 exhibitors, centering its efforts on the ‘Brands of India’ pavilion and a dedicated sustainability hub. This multi-hall presence aims to transition the domestic apparel narrative from traditional manufacturing toward a future-ready, compliant, and globally competitive value chain.

Bridging heritage with modern retail sophistication

An important development this year is the debut of a curated showcase for intimate and innerwear brands within the ‘Brands of India’ pavilion. By highlighting established names alongside emerging labels, CMAI is mapping the rapid evolution of India’s organized apparel market. The government's support remains instrumental in scaling the association’s manufacturing base, notes Santosh Katariya, President of CMAI. The association is leveraging this platform to host the International Apparel Federation (IAF) board meeting and high-level leadership sessions, effectively aligning Indian industry giants with global stakeholders to deliberate on the ‘Brands of a Billion’ revolution, exploring how domestic leaders like Trent and Raymond can capture deeper international market share.

Advancing circularity as a competitive necessity

Recognizing that global buyers prioritize traceability and ESG compliance, CMAI has launched the Eco-Stitch Sustainability & Circularity Hub in collaboration with the Global Alliance for Textile Sustainability (GATS). This initiative moves beyond discourse, presenting actionable roadmaps for circularity at scale. By integrating technology providers, recyclers, and innovation libraries, the hub serves as a critical interface for manufacturers to navigate complex international compliance mandates. Naveen Sainani, Hon. Gen. Secretary, emphasizes that this transition is essential for India to shed its past identity as purely cost-competitive and instead emerge as a partner of choice for responsible, large-scale global retailers and brands.

Promoting industry-friendly policies and ESG adoption

The Clothing Manufacturers Association of India is the apex body representing the entire domestic apparel value chain, including manufacturers, exporters, and retailers. Founded over 63 years ago, it advocates for industry-friendly policies, promotes ESG adoption, and provides critical trade infrastructure, including the issuance of non-preferential certificates of origin for global exports.