A delegation from Saudi Arabia, led by Khalil ibn Salamah, Vice Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, convened with Neelam Rao, Secretary of the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, in New Delhi to enhance bilateral ties in the textile industry. This meeting represented a significant advancement in fostering trade and investment connections between the two nations, emphasizing Saudi India textile cooperation.
During their discussions, both parties explored promising investment opportunities for Saudi Arabia in India’s ready-made garments (RMG) sector, which plays a vital role in employment generation and export growth. With a shared goal of mutual economic development, they deliberated on strategies to increase production capacities and broaden market outreach through collaborative initiatives in textile manufacturing and trade.
The bilateral trade relationship between India and Saudi Arabia remains strong, with trade volume reaching $41.88 billion for the fiscal year 2024–25. India has emerged as the second-largest supplier to Saudi Arabia’s textile and apparel market, providing goods worth $517.5 million and capturing an 11.2% share of the country’s total textile imports in 2024. Both nations expressed their dedication to further strengthening this trade partnership, reinforcing the significance of Saudi India textile cooperation.
The talks also underscored the need for promoting sustainability in traditional sectors such as handloom, handicrafts, and carpets. These sectors not only showcase India’s rich cultural and artistic heritage but also align with global consumer trends favoring eco-friendly and ethically produced products, according to the Ministry of Textiles.
A notable aspect of the meeting was the acknowledgment of Saudi Arabia’s strengths in petrochemical industries, alongside India’s growing capabilities in man-made fiber (MMF) and technical textiles. These segments are expected to become foundational to bilateral trade, providing opportunities for synergy through raw material sourcing, technology sharing, and product innovation. Rao pointed out that MMF and technical textiles are emerging as high-growth areas.
The Saudi delegation expressed a strong interest in attending India’s leading textile exhibitions and trade fairs, such as Bharat Tex, Reverse Buyer–Seller Meets (RBSMs), and other significant expos that highlight the entire textile value chain. These events facilitate global engagement by bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, investors, and buyers from over 100 countries. It was noted that several influential Saudi companies participated in the Bharat Tex 2025 event in New Delhi, while an Indian delegation, including artisans and led by EPCH, took part in Saudi INDEX 2025 in September 2025.
Both parties agreed to continue leveraging these platforms to showcase collaborative innovations and explore new opportunities for market expansion and investment. The Indian side introduced two flagship initiatives: the PM MITRA (Mega Integrated Textile Region and Apparel) Parks and the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for MMF and technical textiles. These initiatives aim to establish world-class infrastructure and boost domestic manufacturing capabilities. The Saudi delegation showed interest in aligning these projects with their industrial and investment priorities.
This engagement illustrates the deepening strategic and economic partnership between India and Saudi Arabia, paving the way for a dynamic and future-ready collaboration in the textile sector and reinforcing the ongoing Saudi India textile cooperation.
