In a significant administrative development, Arti Kanwar has been appointed as Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Textiles, reinforcing leadership at a crucial juncture for India’s textile sector as it accelerates its global expansion ambitions.
A 2001-batch IAS officer, Kanwar brings with her extensive experience across infrastructure, finance, and industrial policy, positioning her well to navigate the sector’s evolving policy and trade landscape.
Her appointment comes at a time when India is targeting textile and apparel exports of US$100 billion over the medium term. The growth roadmap is being driven by key initiatives such as the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, PM MITRA mega textile parks, and ongoing free trade negotiations aimed at improving market access.
India’s textile and apparel exports stood at approximately US$36 billion in FY2025, contributing around 2.3% to the national GDP and providing direct employment to over 45 million people, making it one of the country’s most significant industrial sectors.
Industry stakeholders expect Kanwar to play a pivotal role in fast-tracking policy implementation, improving ease of doing business, and enhancing India’s global competitiveness amid shifting sourcing trends. Key focus areas are likely to include sustainability compliance, strengthening value chain integration, and diversifying export markets.
Her leadership is expected to align policy execution more closely with industry needs, particularly as global buyers increasingly prioritise transparency, sustainability, and supply chain resilience.
