The AEPC Excellence Honours 2023–24–25 event to reward outstanding export performances in the apparel sector was held on 20 December 2025 at Hotel ITC Maurya, New Delhi, with Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, Hon’ble Vice President of India, as the Chief Guest. The Hon’ble Vice President addressed the gathering and congratulated the award winners. Twenty-seven companies were recognized for their exemplary export performances during 2023-24-25 and two individuals for their notable contributions to the Indian apparel export sector.
Shri Harish Ahuja of Shahi Exports Private Ltd. was awarded the gold trophy for the global export champion for 2023-24-25. These awards, instituted by the Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC), celebrate the extraordinary contributions of Indian apparel exporters in fostering an export culture anchored in quality, innovation, sustainability, and diversification.
During the ceremony, the Hon’ble Vice President also unveiled AEPC’s Coffee Table book, “Threads of Time: Story of India’s Textile,” which chronicles India’s rich textile legacy and its journey from tradition to modernity to global leadership.
Speaking at the function Hon’ble Vice President said, “Textiles is the second largest employer, offers much better return per dollar investment and is therefore critical for the economic growth of the country.” He stressed the need for India to enter into more free trade agreements (FTAs) to gain a level-playing field with competitors like Bangladesh in global textile and apparel markets.
Lauding the government support to the industry, Hon’ble Vice President said, “Initiatives such as the Production Linked Incentive Scheme and PM MITRA Parks Scheme are helping capacity augmentation and modernization of infrastructure. Skill development under SAMARTH, simplified labour codes, and ongoing Free Trade Agreement negotiations are further strengthening the ecosystem.”
“I am happy to learn that in an era defined by global challenges, our apparel exporters have demonstrated remarkable resilience and progress. Our exporters have consistently embraced new technologies to stay competitive in global markets,” he added.
The target is to achieve the market size of USD 350 billion with USD 100 billion in textile exports by 2030. The target for apparel exports alone is 40 billion US Dollars by 2030. But government initiatives achieve their true purpose only when industry partners respond with innovation and determination, Hon’ble Vice President remarked.
Speaking on AEPC role, Hon’ble Vice President said, I would like to commend here the role of AEPC also. I have for decades personally seen that AEPC has been the bridge between the government and the industry. It has been facilitating policy dialogue, promoting exports, supporting skill development, and ensuring that Indian apparel finds its rightful place in the world.”
Commenting on the occasion, Shri Sudhir Sekhri, Chairman, AEPC, said, “This prestigious event is not just a celebration of outstanding export performance, but a tribute to the spirit of enterprise, resilience and innovation that defines India’s apparel industry. We are confident that this encouragement will inspire our exporters to face current global challenges with renewed confidence, determination, and collective strength.”
“Despite global uncertainties, Indian apparel exports recorded a commendable 10% growth in 2024–25. In November 2025 alone, exports grew by 11.3% over November 2024 and by 22.1% over November 2023. Cumulatively, RMG exports during April–November 2025–26 stood at USD 10.08 billion, reflecting sustained momentum and resilience despite global headwinds,” Chairman AEPC added.
Such progress would not have been possible without the proactive and consistent support of the Government. Policy initiatives such as PM MITRA Parks, GST reforms, labour law reforms, the Production Linked Incentive Scheme, the Export Promotion Mission, and the Credit Guarantee Scheme for Exporters have provided a strong foundation for growth and competitiveness. The industry is deeply grateful for the continued support.
Highlighting the challenges, Chairman AEPC said, “We are mindful of the challenges before us – ranging from geopolitical tensions and global supply-chain disruptions to tariff-related issues in key markets. Yet, time and again, India’s apparel industry has demonstrated its ability to adapt, innovate and move forward.”
Speaking on the occasion Dr A Sakthivel, Vice Chairman AEPC said, “On this special day I take this opportunity to profusely thank Hon’ble Vice President of India Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan Ji whose gracious presence has given us encouragement to strive harder for the growth, and betterment of the Indian apparel export industry. On behalf of the entire apparel exporting community, I assure Hon’ble Vice President that we will leave no stone unturned to achieve the apparel export target of USD 40 billion by 2030.” I congratulate all the awards winners for their exemplary performance. Their relentless pursuit for excellence will inspire many others to charter the glorious path of success. I urge them to keep continuing the good work and become mentors for the new generations of the apparel exporters, he added.
Highlighting the need to encourage the winners, Shri Mithileshwar Thakur, Secretary General AEPC, stated, “By embracing new technologies, design capabilities and modern manufacturing practices, apparel exporters have strengthened India’s competitiveness and built a future-ready ecosystem. Equally commendable is the industry’s transition towards sustainability. Greener supply chains and ethical sourcing are reinforcing a responsible and globally respected Brand India.” The AEPC Excellence Honours Event is an opportunity to bring together industry leaders, policymakers and stakeholders to reaffirm India’s leadership in the global apparel supply chain, he added.
