India and Saudi Arabia have explored strategies to strengthen cooperation in textile manufacturing and trade, focusing on expanding production capacities and market reach through joint initiatives, the Ministry of Textiles said in a statement on Tuesday.
The discussions took place during a meeting between Khalil ibn Salamah, Saudi Arabia’s Vice Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources and India’s Textile Secretary, Neelam Shami Rao. Both sides identified key areas for collaboration, including ready-made garments, technical textiles, man-made fibres, carpets, handlooms and handicrafts.
According to the ministry, India was the second-largest supplier to Saudi Arabia’s textile and apparel sector in 2024, with exports valued at US $ 517.5 million, representing an 11.2% share of Riyadh’s total textile and apparel imports.
The ministry stated that the talks also underscored the importance of promoting sustainability across traditional sectors such as handloom, handicrafts and carpets. These industries, it said, not only embody India’s cultural and artisanal heritage but also align with growing global demand for eco-friendly and ethically produced products.
The dialogue further highlighted strong prospects for Saudi investment in India’s ready-made garments sector, recognised as a major driver of employment and exports.
A key takeaway from the meeting was the shared recognition of Saudi Arabia’s strength in petrochemical-based industries and India’s expanding capabilities in man-made fibres and technical textiles. These segments, the ministry noted, are expected to form the foundation of future bilateral trade, offering avenues for collaboration in raw material sourcing, technology transfer and product innovation.
Both nations reaffirmed their commitment to building a sustainable and mutually beneficial partnership, reflecting a shared vision for advancing textile sector growth across traditional and modern segments.
