Minister of State for External Affairs and Textiles, Pabitra Margherita, will travel to Moscow this week for a series of meetings with Russia’s Ministry of Industry and Trade as well as leading entrepreneurs from the textile and apparel sector, the Ministry of Textiles announced on Monday.
The visit, scheduled from 1st to 3rd October, comes as India seeks to expand its textile exports across 40 countries in the wake of the United States imposing 50% tariffs on Indian apparel, alongside a 25% penalty on New Delhi’s purchases of Russian oil.
According to the ministry, the visit reflects India’s efforts to strengthen trade and cultural relations with Russia while diversifying markets for its textile exports. It noted that such engagements were expected to bolster bilateral trade, encourage market diversification and enhance people-to-people linkages between the two countries.
During his visit, Margherita, who also holds charge as Minister of State for External Affairs, will inaugurate the “Best of India – Indian Apparel and Textile Fair” in Moscow. The exhibition will feature products from over 100 Indian companies, ranging from handlooms, handicrafts and home furnishings to carpets, linens, apparel and garments.
The ministry said the exhibition and buyer-seller meet is anticipated to attract around 1,000 domestic and international buyers, providing Indian exporters with opportunities to deepen their footprint in Russia and other CIS markets. It described the fair as a strategic gateway for Indian businesses to expand in the region and to strengthen collaboration between Indian and Russian enterprises.
