In a major push to strengthen economic cooperation, a high-level Saudi Arabian delegation met with India's Ministry of Textiles officials in New Delhi on October 14, 2025, to explore new avenues of collaboration in the textile industry.
The delegation, headed by H.E. Khalil ibn Salamah, Vice Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources of Saudi Arabia, held discussions at Udyog Bhawan with the Secretary of the Ministry of Textiles, focusing on expanding trade and investment opportunities between the two nations.
The meeting comes at a time when bilateral trade between India and Saudi Arabia has touched USD 41.88 billion in the financial year 2024-25. India has emerged as the second-largest textile and apparel supplier to Saudi Arabia, with exports worth USD 517.5 million, commanding an impressive 11.2% share of Saudi Arabia's total textile imports in 2024.
Both countries identified the Ready-Made Garments sector as a key area for Saudi investment in India. This sector holds immense potential for job creation and export growth, with officials discussing strategies to expand production capabilities and market penetration through joint ventures in textile manufacturing.
Sustainability emerged as another crucial talking point. The two sides emphasized preserving and promoting traditional sectors like handloom, handicrafts, and carpets, which not only showcase India's cultural heritage but also align with growing global demand for environmentally conscious products.
A significant highlight was the recognition of complementary strengths, Saudi Arabia's expertise in petrochemical industries and India's growing prowess in Man-Made Fibre and Technical Textiles. These segments are expected to become cornerstones of future trade cooperation, offering opportunities for technology exchange and collaborative product development.
The Saudi delegation showed keen interest in India's flagship initiatives, including the PM MITRA Parks scheme and the Production Linked Incentive for textiles. These programs aim to create world-class manufacturing infrastructure and boost domestic production capabilities.
Both nations also committed to leveraging major textile exhibitions like BHARAT TEX and Saudi INDEX as platforms for showcasing innovations and exploring business opportunities. Saudi companies participated in BHARAT TEX 2025 held in New Delhi in February, while Indian firms attended Saudi INDEX in September, demonstrating active engagement on both sides.
This engagement signals a deepening strategic partnership between the two countries, paving the way for a robust, future-oriented collaboration in the textile sector.
