At a time when the global apparel industry is facing volatile tariffs, shifting trade dynamics, rising input costs, and increasing margin pressures, technology is emerging as a key differentiator.
Against this backdrop, Lectra hosted an exclusive industry evening in New Delhi on January 23, 2026, bringing together senior leaders from India’s apparel ecosystem to discuss how digital transformation can future-proof fashion manufacturing. The event was especially significant as Daniel Harari, Chairman & CEO of Lectra, visited New Delhi for the first time to engage with key stakeholders of India’s apparel manufacturing industry.
Daniel Harari with AEPC chairman A Sakthivel at Lectra event
During his maiden visit, Harari interacted with industry leaders to exchange views on the challenges, expectations, and future vision of the apparel sector. The discussions highlighted how technology-driven agility, precision, and data-based decision-making are becoming essential for exporters dealing with tariff uncertainties and complex global sourcing requirements.
The evening began with a welcome address by Manish Ranade, Managing Director, Lectra India. The event was inaugurated by Dr. A. Sakthivel, Chairman, Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC); Daniel Harari, Chairman & CEO, Lectra; Frederic Adrien Morel, President Asia Pacific, Lectra; and Lalit Thukral, President, Noida Apparel Export Cluster. The leaders emphasized India’s strategic importance in global apparel supply chains and the urgent need for digital adoption amid geopolitical and tariff-related challenges.
A key highlight of the event was a panel discussion titled “How Digitalization is Changing the Paradigms of the Fashion Industry.”The panel featured Anil Peshawari (MD, Meenu Creations), Prashant Agarwal (Joint MD, Wazir Advisors), Mithileshwar Thakur (Secretary General, AEPC), and Roberto De Almeida (Business Development Director – Fashion, Lectra). The discussion focused on how manufacturers can offset tariff pressures through productivity improvements, automation, smarter planning, and reduced material waste.
Several prominent industry veterans and organizations attended the event, including representatives from Jyoti Apparels, Impulse, Radnik Exports, Ginza Industries, Radiant Exports, Modelama Exports, Gokaldas Exports, FA Home & Apparel Pvt. Ltd., Cantabil, and Dhruv Global Ltd., among others.
The event was co-hosted by IIGM and Perfect Sourcing publication. It concluded with an interactive Q&A session, followed by networking over dinner and cocktails.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. A. Sakthivel, Chairman, AEPC, said that digitalization is fundamentally reshaping the fashion industry by redefining design, manufacturing, and marketing processes. He emphasized that for Indian apparel exporters, digital transformation is not just about efficiency but a strategic necessity to enhance competitiveness, ensure transparency, support sustainability, and integrate seamlessly with global value chains.
Daniel Harari, Chairman & CEO, Lectra, stated that India is a key market for Lectra with strong growth potential. He added that as uncertainty becomes the new normal, Industry 4.0-powered intelligent solutions will help manufacturers balance profitability and sustainability, positioning Lectra as a long-term transformation partner for the industry.
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