Rathi Sahni on Scaling Garment Technology Expo to New Heights

TFT: Garment Technology Expo has completed 25 years. How has the vision for GTE evolved since the first edition in 2001?

RS: When Garment Technology Expo (GTE) was conceived in 2001, the core vision was simple yet transformative—to make world-class garment manufacturing technology accessible to Indian manufacturers at home. At that time, technology discovery largely meant travelling overseas. GTE changed that reality by creating a single, trusted ecosystem where global brands could demonstrate their innovations live in India.

Under the leadership of founder Chairman & Managing Director Mr. Inderjit Singh Sahni, and with the strong foundation laid by the late Mr. Ricky Sahni, Joint Managing Director of GTE gradually evolved from a machinery exhibition into a strategic industry platform. Over period of 25^th years with 38^th Successful editions Today, the vision goes far beyond showcasing equipment—it is about enabling automation, sustainability, digitalisation and future-ready manufacturing so that Indian factories remain globally competitive.

TFT: What differentiates GTE from other textile and garment machinery expos in South East Asia and India?

RS: GTE is uniquely focused on the garment manufacturing value chain, rather than the broader textile machinery spectrum. It brings together production technology, digital solutions, accessories and process innovations that directly impact factory efficiency, turnaround time and quality.

Another key differentiator is its long-standing reputation as a technology launch platform. Many national and international brands deliberately choose GTE to introduce new machines and solutions to the South Asian market. Over the years, GTE has also positioned itself as a business-first expo—where buyers arrive with active sourcing plans and exhibitors engage with serious decision-makers.

TFT: GTE has expanded to multiple cities including Bengaluru. What strategic criteria guide the choice of host cities?

RS: Our multi-city strategy is designed to serve India’s three strongest garment manufacturing belts. By organising editions in Delhi–NCR, Bengaluru and Ahmedabad, GTE ensures direct access to the North, South and West clusters.

Each location is selected based on manufacturing density, export activity, ease of connectivity and proximity to factories within a 500-kilometre radius. This allows regional manufacturers—especially MSMEs—to access global technology without heavy travel costs, while exhibitors gain deeper penetration into India’s most active production zones.

TFT: How has participation changed in recent years, and what trends are driving this growth?

RS: Participation has grown steadily across exhibitors, visitors and international brands. One of the strongest indicators of confidence is that a large portion of space is booked well in advance.

This growth is driven by three clear trends—rapid expansion of export-oriented manufacturing, increasing pressure on factories to improve efficiency and quality, and a strong shift towards automation and digital production. Manufacturers are now investing not only in machines, but in integrated systems that support scalability and global compliance.

TFT: With India Exposition Mart Ltd. as a strategic partner, what new capabilities has this collaboration brought?

RS: The collaboration with India Exposition Mart Ltd. (IEML) has significantly elevated GTE’s international readiness. The venue offers world-class exhibition infrastructure, excellent connectivity, integrated hospitality facilities including an in-premise hotel and professionally managed services for overseas exhibitors and buyers.

Equally important is IEML’s experience in hosting large international trade events, which helps GTE deliver a more seamless, global-standard business environment.

TFT: What technological trends are shaping the garment machinery sector today, and how is GTE supporting them?

RS: Artificial intelligence and automation are redefining garment manufacturing. Intelligent cutting, smart sewing, AI-based inspection, predictive maintenance and digital production planning are moving factories towards higher productivity with consistent quality.

Following the easing of visa norms, participation from Chinese technology providers is also expected to rise sharply at GTE 2026, bringing advanced automation and smart-factory solutions to the show floor. GTE enables manufacturers to evaluate these technologies through live demonstrations and direct technical discussions—making technology adoption practical rather than theoretical.

TFT: Are there specific programmes or conferences scheduled in the upcoming expo?

RS: Yes. GTE 2026 will feature live technology demonstrations across multiple product categories from Global brands.

Alongside this, the co-located Lace & Trims Show 2026 will complete the sourcing ecosystem by presenting garment essentials and accessories, allowing visitors to experience the full manufacturing value chain in one visit.

Also proposing a Trend forecast display by NIFT with sessions focussed on the next collection with fashion show.

TFT: Looking ahead, what are your key priorities for the next few editions of GTE?

RS: Our primary focus is to build structured technology clusters around AI-driven manufacturing, smart factories and sustainable production systems. We also aim to introduce thematic zones that highlight digital workflows, automation integration and export-oriented compliance solutions.

As global trade dynamics evolve and exporters benefit from tariff relaxations and new FTAs, GTE will increasingly focus on helping manufacturers upgrade to international benchmarks in productivity and quality.

TFT: What should manufacturers, OEMs, start-ups and international brands expect from GTE 2026?

RS: GTE 2026 will offer a highly focused environment for one-to-one interactions, technology benchmarking, dealer identification and investment decision-making. Manufacturers and OEMs will be able to compare multiple technologies live and engage directly with solution providers.

Importantly, start-ups and international brands planning new manufacturing set-ups in India will have a rare opportunity to explore the entire garment manufacturing value chain under one roof—from core production machinery to automation, software, trims and accessories—enabling them to source the most suitable and future-ready solutions for their facilities.

TFT: Lastly, any message to our readers?

RS: GTE 2026 is not just an exhibition—it is a strategic growth platform for the garment manufacturing community. We invite manufacturers, technology providers, start-ups and global brands to leverage this opportunity to upgrade their capabilities, build partnerships and prepare their businesses for the next phase of global competition.

The future of garment manufacturing belongs to those who invest in technology, innovation and collaboration—and GTE is where that future begins. Tried Tested Trusted.