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India’s textile sector drew strong attention on February 1, 2026, as investors assessed new policy measures announced in the Union Budget 2026. Shares of Welspun Living, Gokaldas Exports, Pearl Global, Trident Limited, and other textile companies were actively tracked.
The update came at a time when exporters were recalibrating their global strategies following recently signed free trade agreements with the EU and the UK. With export opportunities widening, the sector viewed Budget 2026 as a key moment for policy continuity and support.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced several new initiatives under an Integrated Programme for the textile sector during the Union Budget 2026 presentation. The programme includes the National Fiber Scheme, Textile Employment Scheme, National Handloom and Handicraft Programme, and the TEx‑Eco initiative.
It also features Samarth 2.0 to upgrade the textile skilling ecosystem and proposes mega textile parks to be developed in challenge mode. The Mahatma Gandhi Gram Swaraj Mission was also highlighted as part of the broader rural‑linked textile development effort.
The Budget arrived at a time when India’s textile and apparel exporters are repositioning themselves in global markets. The recently concluded free trade agreements with the EU and the UK have expanded export access and lowered trade barriers.
As companies prepare for higher export demand, many are looking for policy measures that support scaling, cost competitiveness, and employment stability, particularly for MSME‑led units. Market participants expect these new schemes to aid supply chain efficiency and operational expansion.
Budget 2025 had placed significant emphasis on strengthening the textile value chain, starting from the agricultural level. A five‑year Mission for Cotton Productivity was introduced to support yield improvement, sustainability practices, and the production of extra‑long staple cotton varieties.
The mission is committed to extensive science and technology support for farmers with the goal of improving incomes and ensuring steady supplies for traditional textile industries. The initiative aligned with the government’s integrated 5F vision, linking farm‑to‑fashion processes within a unified growth pathway.
Read More: India’s Cotton Imports Surge 158% YoY in December Quarter Amid Duty-Free Import.
Textile stocks remained in focus as investors evaluated the new announcements under Budget 2026. The Integrated Programme for Textile Sector introduced multiple schemes aimed at improving fibre availability, employment generation, skill development, and handloom support.
These measures build on earlier reforms announced in Budget 2025, which focused on cotton productivity, technical textiles, and manufacturing efficiencies. As export opportunities expand through FTAs with the EU and the UK, the sector is watching policy updates closely to support its next phase of growth.
Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.
Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.
Published on: Feb 1, 2026, 12:12 PM IST

Akshay Shivalkar
Akshay Shivalkar is a financial content specialist who strategises and creates SEO-optimised content on the stock market, mutual funds, and other investment products. With experience in fintech and mutual funds, he simplifies complex financial concepts to help investors make informed decisions through his writing.
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