The Indian textile and clothing industry is set to grow substantially in the coming years, according to a report in the latest issue of Textile Outlook International from the business information company Textiles Intelligence.

Growth will be driven by strong expansion of the domestic market as well as higher exports, aided by government incentives and support policies.

In June 2016 the Indian government announced a special package of measures for the textile and clothing industry under the heading of the New National Textile Policy with the aim of securing a substantial increase in exports by 2024/25 and generating 35 million new jobs, most of which would be taken by females.

21 months earlier, the government launched the "Make in India" initiative with the aim of transforming the country into a global manufacturing hub with the support of foreign manufacturers.

Such policies have provided considerable impetus behind foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows to the extent that India became the world's leading recipient of FDI in 2015 -- ahead even of China and the USA. And, looking ahead, there are still opportunities for the textile and clothing industry to attract much more foreign investment.

In addition to government policies, foreign investors have been attracted by a number of other benefits -- not least India's sizeable and fast growing domestic market.

The value of India's domestic market for textiles and clothing is forecast to reach US$314 billion in 2025 -- representing average growth of 14% per annum over a 12-year period -- as a result of rising prosperity and a continuously growing population.

India has a population of 1.28 bn and a fast growing economy, and is benefiting from a retail boom. The latter can be attributed to the country's fast expanding middle class, a large proportion of young consumers, and significant increases in personal disposable incomes.

Not surprisingly, there is growing interest among foreign manufacturers and retailers in establishing a presence in the Indian domestic market. In fact, a number of foreign businesses with high profile brands -- including Aéropostale, Gap, H&M and Massimo Dutti -- have entered the Indian market in recent years.

Also, global upmarket and luxury brands are looking to use the country as a base for manufacturing and supplying worldwide markets as well as supplying high income and middle income consumers in India itself. Admittedly, 90% of India's retail market continues to be dominated by unorganised trade. But the market is evolving rapidly and, according to Textiles Intelligence, organised retail outlets will expand strongly in line with the surge of Indian middle-class consumers who tend to develop stronger brand loyalty and are more able and willing to spend on better quality goods.

This report, "Prospects for the textile and clothing industry in India", was published by the global business information company Textiles Intelligence in Issue No 184 of Textile Outlook International.

Other reports published in the same issue include: "Editorial: Changing patterns of textile and apparel sourcing: which country will be the next China"; "World textile and apparel trade and production trends: South Asia"; "Nonwoven fabrics for apparel and home textiles: profiles of four key players"; "Home textiles business update"; and "Trends in US textile and clothing imports".

Textile Outlook International is published six times a year by Textiles Intelligence. Each issue provides an independent and worldwide perspective on the global fibre, textile and apparel industries.

A year's printed subscription to Textile Outlook International costs £1,130 (UK), Euro2,080 (Europe, Middle East or Africa) or US$2,710 (Americas or Asia Pacific). An electronic supplement is also available; please contact Textiles Intelligence for details. Single issues, individual reports and multi-report packages are available on request.

For further information, please contact Belinda Carp at Textiles Intelligence, Fulshaw Hall, Wilmslow SK9 1RL, UK. Tel: +44 (0)1625 536136; fax: +44 (0)1625 536137; email: info@textilesintelligence.com

For press copies and editorial enquiries, please contact Robin Anson at Textiles Intelligence. Tel: +44 (0)1625 536136; fax: +44 (0)1625 536137; email: editorial@textilesintelligence.com