India’s textile and craft sectors are at a pivotal moment. With exports rising about 10.03% to US$15.99 billion in FY 2024-25, and favourable trade agreements on the horizon (such as the 2026 UK-India FTA), demand is growing rapidly. But beneath the excitement lie systemic challenges around maintaining quality, scaling production, and ensuring sustainability that truly goes beyond marketing.

One major issue is perception: Indian crafts are often seen either as luxury specialties or cheap mass-products, leaving the middle ground mid-tier, well-crafted, but affordable products underserved. Quality standards vary widely, especially since many artisan clusters are informal, with limited access to consistent raw materials, quality assurance, and modern equipment.

Sustainability too is under-pressure: traditional methods are resource-intensive, wasteful dyeing, inconsistent energy use, and low wages are common. Yet many artisans survive on subsistence incomes; younger makers often migrate, risking loss of craft knowledge.

What can help? Hybrid models combining artisanal excellence with modern management; better access to finance and infrastructure; skilling programs; transparency in supply chains; and consumer education so buyers value authenticity, provenance, and ethical production. If these reforms are embraced earnestly, India could lead global responsible fashion not just in output, but in ethics and artistry.