Ministry of Textiles and ICRIER Sign MoU for Policy Research

May 15, 2026 | By Textile Sphere India

Partnership aims to strengthen textile data and evidence-based policymaking.

The Ministry of Textiles (MoT), Government of India, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER) to strengthen evidence-based policy research in the textile and apparel sector.

The MoU was formalised during a signing ceremony held at GPOA 3, Netaji Nagar, New Delhi. The agreement was signed by Akhilesh Kumar, Deputy Director General, Ministry of Textiles, and Dr. Shekhar Aiyar, Director & Chief Executive, ICRIER.

The collaboration reflects the Government’s focus on developing stronger, data-backed frameworks to guide decision-making in one of India’s most significant manufacturing industries. Through this partnership, ICRIER will support the Ministry in conducting policy research, enhancing sectoral data systems, and offering analytical inputs that can shape more informed strategies for the Textile & Apparel (T&A) industry.

The textile and apparel sector continues to play a major role in India’s industrial ecosystem, contributing significantly to manufacturing output, exports, and job creation. However, the evolving global trade environment and shifting supply chain dynamics have increased the need for structured policy interventions based on reliable data and research insights.

By combining the Ministry’s policy mandate with ICRIER’s technical and analytical expertise, the MoU aims to strengthen policy formulation through research-driven recommendations and improved data quality. The initiative is expected to help build a more competitive, resilient, and future-ready textile and apparel sector aligned with India’s economic and export ambitions.

#TAGS Ministry of Textiles, ICRIER, MoU, textile policy, apparel sector, research, data-driven policy, India textiles