CITI, EURATEX Launch EU–India Textile Dialogue To Support FTA Implementation

New Delhi, Jul 17 (KNN) The Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI) and the European Apparel and Textile Confederation (EURATEX) have jointly launched the EU–India Textile and Apparel Dialogue (TAD), a bilateral industry platform aimed at supporting the implementation of the proposed India–EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

The CITI-EURATEX initiative was formalised during Bharat Tex 2026 held in New Delhi on July 14, where both sides also conducted the first meeting of the joint monitoring committee under the TAD framework.

Platform to Facilitate Trade and Industry Cooperation

“The establishment of the TAD assumes importance in the backdrop of India and the EU concluding negotiations on the FTA in January 2026, and the India-EU trade deal expected to be signed later this year. It can  serve as an effective platform for putting forward the textile and apparel industry view on how the free trade agreement can benefit businesses both in India and the 27-nation bloc,” CITI Chairman Ashwin
Chandran said.

Key Mandate and Functions

The TAD will monitor the implementation of the India–EU FTA and assess its impact on the sector. It will facilitate exchange of information on trade flows, investment patterns and rules of origin, while also identifying operational challenges such as customs procedures, regulatory barriers and market access issues.

The platform will also work toward promoting fair competition, sharing best practices in sustainability and responsible business conduct, and encouraging industrial cooperation and investment across value chains.

Addressing Market Access Challenges

Industry representatives noted that the European Union remains a major export destination for India’s textile sector, accounting for USD 7.6 billion in exports in 2025. However, Indian exporters have historically faced tariff disadvantages compared to competitors with preferential access.

The proposed FTA is expected to address these gaps and improve competitiveness for Indian exporters in the EU market.

Structured Representation and Policy Engagement

The TAD will include equal representation from both organisations, with leadership rotating annually. It will also develop joint recommendations and convey industry priorities to policymakers, including the European Commission and the Indian government.

(KNN Bureau)