- “This is the most opportune time for the Indian textile industry,” Gautam Hari Singhania
- “India has all the right elements to become a global textile powerhouse,” Gautam Hari Singhania
- “We are the third-largest garment manufacturer and we want to be first.”: Gautam Hari Singhania
New Delhi: At ABP Network’s India @2047 Summit, Gautam Hari Singhania, Chairman and Managing Director of Raymond Group, took center stage to speak on “The Fabric of India: Strength and Sustainability.” The discussion celebrated the depth of India’s textile heritage, the journey of homegrown brands like Raymond, and the pivotal role of the textile industry in shaping a Viksit Bharat by 2047. Touching upon global trade dynamics, Singhania noted, “This is the most opportune time for the Indian textile industry. We just need to stay one step ahead.”
Delving into India’s historical prominence in global fabric trade, Mr. Gautam mentioned that historically, Indian muslin, especially from Dhaka, was so fine it could pass through a ring. We were once global trendsetters in cotton, khadi and other textiles. He also underscored the cultural importance of Indian fabrics. “Khadi needs more push. There is so much talent in that space. I admire what they are doing. I also think the mindset around ethnic wear is changing, we are finally starting to wear our own with pride.”
Reflecting on Raymond’s own legacy, Singhania said, “"Raymond completes 100 years this year. Our fabrics travel to 55 countries today, representing the modern era of India’s manufacturing strength. Our journey mirrors India’s evolution. Every meter we produce is a message that India can compete globally."
During the session, when asked how challenging it is to sustain the legacy of a brand like Raymond, he said, “Raymond is a national asset. We nurture the brand like we would a child. Ours is the only brand in the world that offers everything from ₹300 per meter to ₹10 lakh per meter. From the taxi driver to Mr. Tata, everyone wears Raymond.”
On being asked about the global tariff war, Mr. Gautam remarked, “This is the most opportunistic time for India’s textile sector. Walmart, for example, sources 60% of its goods from China and is now in trouble. We must build a resilient supply chain that can take advantage of this global shift. India has grown significantly in garmenting over the past 20 years but there’s still ground to cover. We are the third-largest garment manufacturer and we want to be first.”
On being asked about the brand’s foray into real estate, he said, “Cities like Mumbai have become uneconomical for manufacturing. Venturing into the realty sector was driven by opportunity - and as they say, there are no rewards without risks.”
Concluding the session, Singhania emphasized the immense promise of India’s textile industry. “India ranks fifth globally in the textile segment and the industry is the second-largest employer in the country. We have all the right elements to become a global textile powerhouse,” he said, adding that the journey ahead must be rooted in sustainability and inclusivity.
ABP Network’s India @ 2047 Summit is a premier platform bringing together the country’s most influential voices across governance, business, history, spirituality and culture, science, international diplomacy, sports, music and entertainment to map India’s journey toward becoming a fully developed nation by the 100th year of its independence. Set against the backdrop of an emerging India, the summit serves as a powerful platform for dialogue, vision, and strategy, where national aspirations meet global perspectives. The Summit convenes changemakers and pathbreakers from India and around the world who will shape India’s future narrative in the making of Viksit Bharat.