At a time when the global apparel industry is grappling with volatile tariffs, shifting trade alignments, rising input costs, and margin pressures, technology has emerged as a decisive differentiator.
Against this backdrop, Lectra hosted an exclusive industry evening in New Delhi on 23 January 2026, bringing together senior leaders from India’s apparel ecosystem to discuss how digital transformation can future-proof fashion manufacturing. The occasion was unique as global leader Daniel Harari, Chairman, Lectra was in New Delhi for the first time. His motto was to connect with key stake holders of apparel manufacturing industry and discuss the challenges, expectations and vision for the coming times.
On his maiden visit to New Delhi he received a grand welcome from industry peers who were excited to exchange ideas related to key challenges of India’s apparel sector.
The event explored how technology-led agility, precision, and data-driven decision-making are becoming critical for exporters navigating tariff uncertainties and increasingly complex global sourcing requirements. With buyers demanding speed, compliance, transparency, and sustainability, manufacturers must now move beyond scale to smarter, more resilient operations.
The evening started with a welcome address and theme-setting remarks by Manish Ranade, Managing Director, Lectra India, followed by the inauguration by Apparel Export Promotion Council Chairman Dr. A. Sakthivel; Daniel Harari, Chairman & CEO, Lectra; Frederic Adrien Morel, President Asia Pacific, Lectra and Lalit Thukral, President, Noida Apparel Export Cluster. The leaders underlined India’s strategic role in global apparel supply chains and the urgent need for digital adoption amid geopolitical and tariff-related disruptions.
A key highlight was the interesting panel discussion titled “How Digitalization is Changing the Paradigms of the Fashion Industry”, featuring industry veterans Anil Peshawari, MD, (Meenu Creations), Prashant Agarwal, Jt MD, (Wazir Advisors), Mithileshwar Thakur, Secy General, (AEPC), and Roberto De Almeida, Business Development Director Fashion (Lectra). The session examined how manufacturers can mitigate tariff impact through productivity gains, smarter planning, automation, and reduced material waste.
Amongst the companies who visited were Meenu Creations, Cantabil, Jyoti Apparels, Impulse, Radnik Exports, Ginza Industries, Radiant Exports, Modelama Exports, Gokaldas Exports, FA Home & Apparel Pvt., Shahi Exports, Dhruv Global Ltd, etc.
The event was co-hosted by IIGM, and Perfect Sourcing publication.
The evening concluded with an interactive Q&A session, followed by networking over dinner and cocktails.
On the occasion, Dr. A Sakthivel, Chairman, AEPC shared, “
Digitalization is fundamentally reshaping the fashion industry by redefining how we design, manufacture, and market apparel. From AI-led design development and 3D sampling to data-driven demand forecasting and digitally enabled supply chains, technology is helping the industry become faster, more agile, and more responsive to global consumers. For Indian apparel exporters, digital transformation is not just about efficiency—it is a strategic imperative to enhance competitiveness, ensure transparency, support sustainability, and seamlessly integrate with global value chains.
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He further added, “
It was a pleasure to be part of the Lectra event and to engage with industry peers on the future of technology-driven apparel manufacturing. I was particularly delighted to meet Daniel Harari, Chairman of Lectra. Lectra’s continued focus on innovation, digitalization, and sustainable manufacturing is playing a vital role in strengthening the global apparel value chain. Such platforms are important for fostering collaboration and aligning technology with the evolving needs of the industry.
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Daniel Harari, Chairman & CEO, Lectra shared, “
India is a key market for Lectra and offers strong growth potential. As uncertainty becomes the new normal, the industry is facing increasing pressure from shorter cycles, cost control and sustainability requirements. With Industry 4.0‑powered intelligent solutions, Lectra enables customers balance profitability and sustainability. Backed by our technological leadership and expertise in the fashion, furniture and automotive industries, brands and manufacturers can rely on us as a long‑term partner to embrace transformation.
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