Surat: Surat, Gujarat’s major textile hub known for sarees and synthetic fabrics, is expanding into specialised technical textiles for the defence sector. Local manufacturers are increasingly producing high-performance fabrics domestically, supporting India’s push for self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
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The Laxmipati Group is among the manufacturers diversifying into defence-grade fabrics. Amit Mittal of the group said that the materials that were previously imported are now being manufactured locally, helping meet domestic demand and create employment opportunities. The company also hoped to explore exports in the future.
The manufacturing process involves treating unfinished fabrics with chemicals and further processing to improve their strength, quality and performance. Specialised nylon fabrics, including high-tenacity varieties, are being developed for defence applications, which require properties different from those of conventional garments and sarees.
Industry representatives credit Gujarat’s textile policies and government support with encouraging manufacturers to enter specialised production. Surat’s established textile infrastructure and manufacturing expertise provide a base for expanding into higher-value industrial materials.
The development supported the government’s Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives by strengthening domestic supply chains, reducing dependence on imported materials and creating jobs. However, manufacturers’ future export ambitions and the scale of defence orders will depend on market demand and confirmed contracts.
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