Q1. Could you start by giving us a brief overview of your professional background, particularly focusing on your expertise in the industry?

I am a Textile Technologist with over 20 years of experience in the textile and retail industry, specializing in fabric sourcing, product development, color technology, Buyer Management, Mill Management, Textile Testing, Dyeing/Printing and Finishing, and more. I am an expert troubleshooter.
Throughout my career, I’ve worked with global brands such as Macy’s, Williams-Sonoma, J.Jill, and William E. Connor, managing end-to-end fabric development from fiber to finished product.
My expertise spans woven, knit, and denim fabrics, with a strong foundation in testing, color management, and sustainable sourcing.
At present, I serve as a Fabric Specialist Consultant at Cian Co India Ltd, where I lead new season fabric innovations, supplier development, and sustainability-driven sourcing initiatives.
I’ve successfully introduced BCI, Organic, and Recycled Cotton/Polyester fabrics, aligning product development with global sustainability standards.
Earlier, as Senior Fabric Technologist at William E. Connor, I partnered with mills and global buyers to implement sustainable practices and ensure technical compliance across the supply chain.
My role has always integrated technical analysis, supplier training, and color risk management, ensuring both performance and aesthetic expectations are met.
I also bring extensive experience in vendor management, price negotiation, and strategic sourcing, helping brands optimize cost, quality, and timelines.
Having trained and collaborated with mills across Asia, I’ve gained deep insight into fabric behavior, process control, and quality improvement at the manufacturing level.
Overall, I combine technical fabric expertise, sustainability focus, and strategic sourcing acumen to deliver high-value textile solutions to global fashion and home brands.  

Q2. How would you describe the current growth trajectory of the global and Indian fabric sourcing market, and what forces are shaping this momentum?

The global fabric sourcing market is currently on a steady yet complex growth path, driven by the post-pandemic recovery and a structural shift toward China+1 sourcing strategies. India has emerged as a significant beneficiary of this transition, leveraging its diverse textile base, sustainable manufacturing capabilities, and improving trade access.
However, geopolitical and trade factors are significantly shaping momentum. The renewed U.S. tariff regime under the Trump administration, with duties reaching up to 50% on certain Indian textile exports, has dampened competitiveness in the North American market. In contrast, India’s Free Trade Agreements with the UK and Australia have opened new opportunities—eliminating tariffs on most textile products and enhancing India’s price advantage and market reach.
Domestically, India’s textile and apparel exports grew by around 6% in FY 2024-25, led by demand for knitted apparel and sustainable fabrics. The expansion of the PLI scheme, coupled with rising global demand for certified sustainable fibers (BCI, Organic, Recycled), continues to strengthen India’s export ecosystem.
In the future, the growth trajectory remains cautiously optimistic—supported by trade liberalization, sustainability integration, and digital sourcing innovation, but moderated by tariff risks, raw-material volatility, and shifting buyer geographies.

Q3. How is digital technology—from 3D sampling to AI-based demand forecasting—changing the way fabric sourcing decisions are made?

Digital technology has revolutionized the way sourcing teams plan, develop, and select fabrics.
Tools like 3D sampling and virtual prototyping allow designers and buyers to visualize fabric drape, color, and fit without producing physical samples—cutting lead times, costs, and environmental impact.
AI-based demand forecasting analyzes sales data, market trends, and consumer behavior to accurately predict future fabric demand, helping brands optimize inventory and reduce waste.
Digital fabric libraries and virtual showrooms have made global sourcing more efficient by enabling real-time collaboration between mills and buyers across geographies.
At the same time, blockchain and digital PLM systems bring end-to-end transparency—tracking fibers, dyeing processes, and sustainability certifications seamlessly.
Together, these technologies are turning fabric sourcing into an innovative, agile, and sustainable ecosystem, where decisions are made faster, backed by data, and aligned with responsible sourcing goals.  

Q4. How do you see the balance evolving between cost efficiency and sustainability imperatives, especially when buyers expect both lower prices and certified eco-friendly materials?

1. The industry is moving toward a “value-over-volume” mindset, where sustainability is no longer optional but integral to long-term competitiveness.
2. Buyers increasingly demand eco-certified materials like Organic, BCI, and Recycled fibers—yet still expect price parity with conventional fabrics.
3. The key lies in process optimization and supply chain efficiency, rather than compromising on sustainability goals.
4. Brands and mills are investing in low-impact dyeing, water recycling, and chemical management to reduce overall production costs sustainably. 5. Digital tools and AI forecasting help minimize waste, optimize production runs, and indirectly offset the cost of sustainable inputs.
6. Collaborative sourcing models—such as long-term vendor partnerships—enable mills to scale sustainable materials, bringing prices down over time.
7. Government incentives like India’s PLI scheme and green financing further support the transition to cost-effective, sustainable production.
8. Educating buyers about the total value proposition—including durability, traceability, and reduced carbon footprint—helps justify pricing.
9. The future balance will depend on innovation, transparency, and shared accountability across the supply chain.
10. Ultimately, cost efficiency and sustainability are converging, as responsible sourcing increasingly drives both brand equity and profitability.

Q5. Where do you see the biggest untapped opportunities for Indian mills to expand their presence in global fashion sourcing?

1. The most significant opportunity for Indian mills lies in value-added and innovation-driven fabrics, beyond traditional cotton-based products.
2. There is enormous potential in performance textiles, functional finishes, and sustainable blends such as recycled polyester and organic cotton.
3. Indian mills can strengthen their global presence by investing in vertical integration and digital process control, ensuring consistency and shorter lead times.
4. Unlike China, India still faces challenges in replicating uniform bulk quality and process standardization across mills.
5. Bridging this gap through automation, color technology, and process analytics can significantly improve reliability—fibers like Nylon, Spandex, and some of the critical blends that Indian Mills did not produce.
6. Expanding into design collaboration and 3D virtual sampling can help Indian suppliers participate earlier in brand development cycles.
7. Sustainability and circularity—from water-efficient dyeing to traceable raw materials—remain key differentiators for premium markets.
8. The UK and Australia FTAs offer tariff-free access, opening new avenues for Indian textiles in these regions.
9. Government schemes like PLI and green manufacturing incentives can support modernization and export competitiveness.
10. Overall, the untapped potential lies in making India a hub for sustainable, innovative, and high-quality fabric sourcing, not just a low-cost alternative to China.

Q6. Are there any emerging mills or supplier networks that you believe could challenge the established leaders in the next few years?

Yes, India is witnessing the rise of several forward-thinking textile mills and supplier networks that are rapidly upgrading their capabilities to match global benchmarks.
Leading among them are Arvind Limited, Vardhman Textiles, Shahi Exports, and Trident Group, which are investing heavily in sustainable production, digital color management, and innovation-driven fabric development.
At the same time, emerging players like KG Denim, LNJ Bhilwara, Precot Meridian, and Sutlej Textiles are diversifying into technical, recycled, and performance textiles, areas traditionally dominated by global competitors.
Smaller integrated clusters in Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and Rajasthan—supported by PLI incentives and green manufacturing initiatives—are developing collaborative ecosystems to scale sustainably.
These networks are focusing on automation, digital PLM systems, and AI-based production monitoring to improve precision and reliability.
Unlike earlier decades, the new generation of Indian mills is emphasizing traceability, circularity, and reduced carbon footprint, aligning with international brand expectations.
Many are also forming strategic partnerships with global technology and fiber companies such as Lenzing, Archroma, and Hyosung to expand their material innovation pipeline.
If this momentum continues, India could see a new wave of mid-sized, tech-enabled mills challenging the established leaders on both sustainability and agility.
The next few years will likely define a “New India Textile Identity”—where smart manufacturing, certified sustainability, and digital excellence converge.
This transformation positions Indian mills not just as suppliers, but as innovation partners in the global fashion sourcing ecosystem.  

Q7. If you were an investor looking at companies within the space, what critical question would you pose to their senior management?

If I were an investor evaluating companies in the textile and fabric sourcing space, my key question to senior management would be:
“How are you balancing long-term sustainability transformation with short-term profitability — and what measurable roadmap do you have to achieve both?”
This question tests management’s strategic clarity, innovation mindset, and financial discipline.
It probes whether the company has a defined sustainability strategy—covering traceability, water and energy efficiency, chemical management, and waste reduction—that also strengthens cost competitiveness.
I would also look for how leadership plans to leverage digitalization—AI forecasting, PLM systems, and process automation—to drive efficiency and transparency.
Further, I’d like to understand whether they are building long-term strategic partnerships with global brands rather than relying on short-term orders.
Essentially, the question assesses whether the company views sustainability and technology as growth enablers rather than compliance costs.
In today’s textile ecosystem, the real winners will be those who can demonstrate profitable sustainability at scale with clear metrics and accountability.
(Personal Viewpoint):
If I were in that investor’s seat, I’d place my confidence in companies that integrate sustainability into their core business model—where every rupee saved or earned also contributes to a cleaner, more innovative, and more resilient textile ecosystem.