CMAI to Highlight India’s Apparel Sector with Brands Pavilion & Sustainability at Bharat Tex 2025

Santosh Katariya, President, CMAI, said, “Bharat Tex 2025 marks a pivotal moment for India’s textile and apparel industry as we embrace innovation, sustainability, and global market leadership. The demand for ethically produced and sustainable textiles is increasing, and CMAI’s participation particularly with the ‘Brands of India’ Pavilion will showcase 40+ leading Brands who have built, sustained, and developed the Indian Domestic retail market to being one of the most sought after in the world. The event serves as an effective platform to explore new partnerships and reinforce India’s position in the global supply chain, paving the way for a more sustainable and profitable future. Considering potential growth of India’s apparel sector, hope the government will discard any plans to revise GST rates and avoid disruption for the industry”

Rahul Mehta, Chief Mentor, CMAI, asserted, “As consumer preferences evolve, the textile and apparel industry is undergoing a transformation with sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation at its core. Bharat Tex 2025 offers a unique opportunity for brands, retailers, and manufacturers to align with today’s discerning consumer demands. From value retail to sustainable fashion and India-specific sizing, these trends will drive the industry’s future. CMAI is privileged to play a key role in this transformation, helping to create meaningful connections and charting a responsible path for the sector.”

Highlights: 

• Brands of India Pavilion to Showcase 40+ leading top-most Brands who have built, sustained, and developed the Indian Domestic retail market to being one of the most sought after in the world.
• Launch SU.RE website and Sustainable Supply Chain Directory, Highlighting Sustainable Fashion Practices to drive a regenerative future for Indian fashion that prioritizes people, planet, and industry resilience.
• Host Panel Discussion on India size project and Value Retail to shape the future of Indian Apparel Industry.

CMAI’s Key Activities at Bharat Tex 2025

1. Brands of India Pavilion

A distinct thematic pavilion, Brands of India will showcase 40+ leading Indian retail brands, showcasing top apparel manufacturers and retailers that have played a pivotal role in shaping India’s domestic market. Prominent names like Allen Solly; American Eagle; Arrow; Aurelia; Biba; Blackberry; Bodycare; Calvin Klein; Dagerrfly; Flying Machine; Forever 21; Gas; House Of Masaba; Jaypore; Juniper; La Martina; Louis Philippe; Manyavar; Mohey; Mothercare; No Mondays; Octave; Pantaloons; Peter England; Rangriti; Red Flame; Reebok; Sabyasachi; Satya Paul; Shantnu & Nikhil; Simon Carter; Soft; Stori; Superdry; Tasva By Tarun Tahiliani; TCNS; The Collective; Toffyhouse; Tommy Hilfiger; Uspa Assn.; Van Heusen; W For Woman; Westside will be part of this showcase.

2. Panel Discussion – INDIA SIZE: No More No More Misfits: How India’s Own Size Chart Will Lead to Better Fit and Improved Commerce

This session will delve into India’s first size chart initiative, led by the Ministry of Textiles and implemented by NIFT with CMAI’s support. The session aims to address garment fit inconsistencies and improve commerce by developing standard body sizes for the Indian apparel sector. Industry leaders will discuss how this new size chart aligns with Indian body types and its impact on fashion and e-commerce. Panelists include Rahul Mehta, Chief Mentor, CMAI; Kaushik Basu, Head-Product Development, Raymond Lifestyle Ltd; Sudhakaran Lal, Chief Sourcing Officer, Arvind Fashion Ltd.; Srinivas Govindan, Business Head, Reliance Retail Fashion & Lifestyle Ltd; Neeraj Gaur, Assistant Vice President- Technical Services & Digital Products, Aditya Birla Fashion & Retail Ltd; Noopur Anand, Principal Investigator, India Size and Manoj Tiwari, NIFT as Moderator.

3. Panel Discussion – Value Retail: Consumer’s Delight, Industry’s Opportunity

Value Retail is transforming India’s domestic apparel landscape, driven by consumers seeking better value for money. This session will explore growth potential in the value segment and discuss opportunities and challenges for domestic and international brands across urban and non-urban markets. Panelists include P. Venkatesalu, CEO & Executive Director, Trent Ltd; Rakesh Biyani, Mentor, Nexon Omniverse Ltd; Ram Chandra Agarwal, Chairman & MD, V2 Retail Ltd; Rajesh Jain, MD & CEO, Sports and Leisure Apparel Limited (Lacoste India); Vedant Modi, Chief Revenue Officer, Vedant Fashions Ltd. (Manyawar) and Suman Saha, CXO, Myntra.

4. SU.RE – Launch of Website & Sustainable Supply Chain Directory

As part of commitment to sustainable fashion, the SU.RE (Sustainable Resolution) initiative by CMAI, Reliance Brands Limited (RBL), United Nations in India, and The Ministry of Textiles India will launch its official website and Sustainable Supply Chain Directory at the event. SU.RE sets new benchmarks for ethical and transparent business practices by fostering collaboration between brands, manufacturers, policymakers, and sustainability experts. Focused on global best practices and long-

term impact, SU.RE is shaping a regenerative future for Indian fashion; one that prioritizes people, the planet, and industry resilience.

CMAI’s niche initiatives, such as the Brands of India Pavilion and SU.RE, will play a pivotal role in promoting India’s manufacturing capabilities, sustainability efforts, and fostering global collaborations. Apart from these, CMAI is also involved in introducing 100+ MSME exhibitors in focused product sections – Apparel & Fashion, Textiles & Fabrics, Start-up & Innovation across different halls at the Bharat Mandapam.

Bharat Tex 2025 is poised to become a landmark event, bringing together top policymakers, business leaders, textile innovators, designers, and master craftspeople from around the world. With over 5,000 exhibitors, 6,000+ overseas buyers from 110+ countries, and more than expected 10,000 domestic trade visitors, the event promises to redefine India’s textile future.

Established sixty-one years ago, The Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI) is the most representative association of the Indian apparel industry having over 5000 members and serving more than 35,000 Retailers across India. Its Membership consists of Manufacturers, Exporters, Brands, and ancillary industry.

CMAI has contributed immensely towards development of the industry. It acts as a catalyst of Change, Evolution, and Transformation by regular interactions with the Government to encourage industry-friendly policies on one hand, and with the Members to keep pace with the dynamics of market forces on the other. CMAI has been responsible for influencing several measures in policies of the Government including GST, PLI, Duty Drawback, Export Promotion Schemes, FTAs, etc. It is also playing a vital role in pushing the industry into a more ESG and Sustainability oriented working.