UK-India Textile Machinery Coalition Launched
May 14, 2026 | By Textile Sphere India
The British Textile Machinery Association (BTMA), in collaboration with the India ITME Society, officially launched the UK-India Textile Machinery Coalition (UKITMC) in Mumbai, creating a strategic platform to strengthen cooperation between the textile machinery industries of the United Kingdom and India.
The coalition was inaugurated by Vrunda Manohar Desai, Textile Commissioner of India, in the presence of Mark Birrell, Trade Counsellor for South Asia at the British Deputy High Commission, along with leading textile industry stakeholders from both countries.
The newly formed UKITMC aims to promote long-term collaboration in textile technology, machinery modernisation, automation, digitalisation, sustainability, and industrial partnerships. The initiative is expected to support India’s rapidly growing textile sector with access to advanced UK textile machinery technologies and global manufacturing best practices.
India’s textile and apparel industry is projected to reach $350 billion by 2030, supported by major government initiatives such as the PM MITRA scheme and the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) programme. With a large number of textile mills expected to modernise operations in the coming years, the coalition is expected to play a key role in accelerating technology adoption and improving manufacturing competitiveness.
Speaking at the launch, Vrunda Desai emphasised the importance of international partnerships in strengthening India’s textile manufacturing ecosystem and sustainability goals. UK representatives also highlighted that the proposed India-UK Free Trade Agreement could further enhance bilateral cooperation by facilitating easier access to advanced textile machinery solutions.
Jason Kent, CEO of BTMA, stated that UK textile machinery manufacturers are globally recognised for innovation, precision engineering, and high-performance systems, while Ketan Sanghvi, Chairman of India ITME Society, noted that the initiative aligns with India’s vision for sustainable and future-ready textile manufacturing.
The coalition will facilitate technical seminars, trade delegations, exhibitions, networking forums, and knowledge-sharing programmes, while also promoting energy-efficient and circular textile manufacturing solutions ahead of India ITME 2026.
#TAGS The British Textile Machinery Association, BTMA, India ITME Society, UK-India Textile Machinery Coalition, UKITMC, textile machinery industries, United Kingdom, Jason Kent, Ketan Sanghvi, textile manufacturing, India-UK Free Trade Agreement, India’s textile manufacturing ecosystem, Vrunda Manohar Desai, Textile Commissioner of India, Mark Birrell, Trade Counsellor for South Asia, British Deputy High Commission,