Brussels 14 July 2026 – EURATEX and the Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI) have launched the EU–India Textile and Apparel Dialogue. The new platform will strengthen cooperation between the European and Indian textile and clothing industries.
The mandate was signed in New Delhi on 14 July 2026. Mario Jorge Machado, President of EURATEX, signed on behalf of the European industry. Ashwin Chandran, Chairman of CITI, represented the Indian textile industry.
The Dialogue will support the effective and balanced implementation of the EU–India Free Trade Agreement. It will also promote reciprocal market access, stronger value chains, industrial competitiveness and sustainable growth.
Supporting the implementation of the EU–India trade agreement
The EU and India are important textile and apparel producers. They are also major trading partners. Therefore, the Free Trade Agreement could create new opportunities for companies in both markets.
However, an agreement alone is not enough. Companies must also be able to use it in practice. Clear customs procedures, workable rules and fair market access will be essential.
For this reason, EURATEX and CITI created a permanent industry platform. It will allow companies and associations to discuss how the agreement works on the ground.
The Dialogue will monitor the impact of the Free Trade Agreement on the textile and apparel sectors. In addition, participants will exchange information on trade flows, investment, preferential rules of origin and the use of the agreement by companies.
Finding practical solutions for companies
The platform will help identify problems that may limit trade between the EU and India. These could include customs delays, regulatory differences and market access barriers.
EURATEX and CITI will discuss these challenges and propose practical solutions. As a result, the Dialogue should help companies benefit more fully from the trade agreement.
Fair competition will also be a key priority. The two organisations will exchange views on enforcement, market surveillance and the level playing field.
Effective controls are important for both European and Indian companies. They help ensure that all products placed on the market comply with the applicable rules. They also protect responsible manufacturers from unfair competition.
Promoting sustainable and resilient value chains
Sustainability will be another important area of cooperation. EURATEX and CITI will share good practices on circularity, traceability and responsible business conduct.
The Dialogue will also encourage industrial cooperation and investment. Stronger partnerships could support more resilient and diversified textile and apparel value chains.
Moreover, the platform will raise awareness among companies about the opportunities offered by the Free Trade Agreement. This may be especially useful for smaller businesses that have less experience in international trade.
Where appropriate, EURATEX and CITI may also prepare joint recommendations. They can then present common industry priorities to the European Commission and the Government of India.
A structured platform for long-term cooperation
The Dialogue will include an equal number of representatives from EURATEX and CITI. The organisations will preferably appoint senior industry executives.
Meetings will take place twice a year. One meeting will be held online, while the other will take place in person. When possible, the in-person meeting will be organised alongside an existing industry event.
The chairmanship will rotate each year between EURATEX and CITI. The Dialogue will work by consensus and will remain a consultative, non-binding body.
Both organisations will regularly review its work. They may also update the mandate as the implementation of the EU–India Free Trade Agreement develops.
Through this initiative, EURATEX and CITI are creating a direct channel between the two industries. The EU–India Textile and Apparel Dialogue will help turn trade opportunities into practical results for companies, workers and value chains.