New Delhi, 6 January 2026
Padma Shri awardee Dr A. Sakthivel, one of India’s most respected apparel industry leaders, has assumed charge as Chairman of the Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) for a historic fifth term in January 2026. With this, Dr Sakthivel marks over four decades of continuous association with AEPC, having served as a board member for the last 43 years.
Widely regarded as a pioneer of India’s apparel export movement, Dr Sakthivel’s leadership has played a defining role in shaping the country’s knitwear and garment export ecosystem. He is also the founder of Poppys Knitwear Pvt Ltd, which, under his stewardship, has grown into one of India’s leading knitwear export companies.
The charge-taking ceremony was attended by senior government officials, industry leaders, and representatives from the housing. Shri Rohit Kansal, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, congratulated Dr Sakthivel on assuming office and highlighted his enduring contribution to the industry. Speaking on the occasion, Shri Kansal noted that resilience remains the defining characteristic of the textile sector and reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting exports amid evolving global challenges.
Former AEPC Chairman Shri Sudhir Sekhri, along with other prominent members of the apparel industry, was also present at the event.
Dr Sakthivel’s leadership has left a lasting impact on India’s apparel exports, particularly in Tiruppur, which has evolved into a globally recognised knitwear hub. Exports from the region have grown from approximately ₹15 crore in 1984 to nearly ₹45,000 crore in 2024–25, a transformation widely attributed to sustained industry collaboration, policy advocacy, and entrepreneurial leadership.
During his previous tenures, Dr Sakthivel placed strong emphasis on the promotion of man-made fibre (MMF) garments and medical textiles. His efforts played a key role in the inclusion of MMF apparel under the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme, encouraging diversification and value addition in India’s apparel exports.
In recognition of his outstanding contribution to the export sector, the Government of India conferred the Padma Shri on Dr Sakthivel in 2009. He was also awarded an honorary Doctor of Literature degree by Bharathiar University in 2011.
Known for his consensus-driven leadership style, Dr Sakthivel has consistently advocated competitiveness, employment generation, MSME empowerment, and sustainable growth. His approach has helped align Indian apparel exporters with global best practices while ensuring the sector remains resilient and future-ready.
On assuming office for his fifth term, Dr Sakthivel reaffirmed AEPC’s commitment to working closely with the Government of India, state governments, and industry stakeholders. Key focus areas include expanding market access, leveraging India’s growing network of free trade agreements, addressing sustainability and compliance requirements, and strengthening India’s position in global apparel trade.
Highlighting immediate priorities, Dr Sakthivel said mitigating the adverse impact of recent US tariff measures on Indian apparel exporters would be a key concern, given the sector’s labour-intensive nature and its dependence on export markets. He expressed appreciation for recent government support measures and reiterated AEPC’s focus on export growth, market diversification, and addressing emerging global trade challenges.
Under Dr Sakthivel’s leadership, AEPC will intensify efforts to promote MMF garment manufacturing for exports while strengthening sustainability and ESG-focused capacity-building initiatives across the industry.
In addition to his role at AEPC, Dr Sakthivel has served on the boards of institutions such as NIFT, ECGC, UCO Bank and IDBI Bank. He has also held the position of President of the Federation of Indian Export Organisations and has been actively associated with various state and national industry bodies. He currently continues as Chairman of the Apparel, Made-Ups and Home Furnishing Sector Skill Council.
Dr Sakthivel’s journey reflects the power of long-term vision, industry collaboration, and entrepreneurial leadership in shaping India’s apparel export success story.
