Neelam Shami Rao, Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, participated in a networking interaction with France-based designers, creative leaders and key stakeholders from the India-France fashion and cultural ecosystem in Paris, highlighting the growing opportunities for collaboration between the two countries across fashion, textiles, craftsmanship and design.

The interaction brought together prominent voices from the global fashion and luxury landscape, including representatives from le19M/CHANEL, French designers, DEEYA Paris, the Confederation of Indian Industry France (CCIFI) and Indian fashion leaders. The gathering provided a platform for stakeholders from both countries to exchange perspectives on the evolving global fashion industry and explore opportunities for deeper creative and cultural engagement.

During the interaction, the Textiles Secretary highlighted the immense potential of India’s rich textile and craft heritage to inspire contemporary global fashion. She emphasised the need for stronger collaborations between Indian artisans and designers and international creative institutions to create new opportunities for Indian craftsmanship on global platforms.

India possesses a diverse textile and craft tradition spanning centuries, with distinctive techniques, materials and artisanal practices representing the country's cultural heritage. Integrating this heritage with contemporary design, technology and global fashion sensibilities can create new avenues for Indian textiles and craftsmanship in international markets.

The discussions also focused on the importance of sustainability and innovation in shaping the future of fashion. With consumers and international fashion houses increasingly placing emphasis on responsible production, traditional craftsmanship and sustainable design, India’s extensive artisan ecosystem and textile heritage offer significant opportunities for meaningful global collaborations.

The presence of representatives from leading French fashion and luxury institutions further underlined the potential for India-France cooperation in the creative economy. France, with its established position in global fashion, luxury and design, and India, with its extensive textile, craft and manufacturing capabilities, offer complementary strengths that can support deeper engagement across the fashion value chain.

The interaction underscored a shared vision of taking Indian textiles, craftsmanship and sustainable design to new global platforms through collaboration, innovation and cultural exchange. Such engagements can also contribute to creating greater visibility for Indian artisans and traditional techniques while enabling designers and creative institutions to explore contemporary applications of India's textile heritage.

The Ministry of Textiles has been actively working towards strengthening the global positioning of Indian textiles and handicrafts and creating greater opportunities for Indian textile products, designers and artisans in international markets. Engagements with international fashion and design communities form an important part of this broader effort to connect India's traditional knowledge and craftsmanship with contemporary global opportunities.

The Paris interaction therefore marks another step towards strengthening India-France cooperation in fashion and textiles, while opening avenues for greater collaboration between artisans, designers, luxury houses and creative institutions. It also reinforces India's ambition to position its textile heritage and craftsmanship as an important source of inspiration for the future of global fashion.