New Delhi, Oct 14 (NationPress) India and Saudi Arabia have taken a significant step towards enhancing their bilateral cooperation in the textile sector, as confirmed by an official announcement.

This collaboration was solidified during a meeting that involved a high-ranking delegation from Saudi Arabia, headed by Vice Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, Khalil ibn Salamah, alongside India's Textiles Secretary, Neelam Shami Rao.

A key takeaway from the meeting was the mutual acknowledgment of Saudi Arabia's strengths in petrochemical-based industries and India's growing expertise in man-made fibre (MMF) and technical textiles. These areas are expected to become vital components of bilateral trade, creating opportunities for synergy in raw material sourcing, technology transfer, and product innovation. Rao pointed out that MMF and technical textiles are emerging as high-growth sectors.

The meeting represented an important advancement in fortifying trade and investment relations between the two countries, as stated by the Ministry of Textiles.

During the discussions, significant opportunities for Saudi investment in India's Ready-Made Garments (RMG) sector were highlighted, a crucial area for job creation and exports. With a shared vision for mutual development, both parties explored strategies to enhance production capacity and market presence through joint efforts in textile manufacturing and trade.

Moreover, the conversations underscored the necessity of promoting sustainability within traditional sectors such as handloom, handicrafts, and carpets. These sectors not only showcase India's rich cultural and artisanal legacy but also align with global consumer trends favoring eco-friendly and ethically produced products.

India and Saudi Arabia reaffirmed their strong economic ties, with bilateral trade reaching $41.88 billion in FY 2024–25. India emerged as the second-largest supplier ($517.5 million) to Saudi Arabia's textile and apparel sector, capturing an 11.2 percent share of the Gulf nation’s total textile and apparel imports in 2024. Both nations expressed a robust commitment to further enhancing this trade relationship.

The Saudi delegation showed considerable interest in India's premier textile exhibitions and trade fairs, including BHARAT TEX, Reverse Buyer–Seller Meets (RBSMs), and other major expos that present the comprehensive textile value chain. These events act as platforms for global engagement, uniting policymakers, industry leaders, investors, and buyers from over 100 nations. Notably, several prominent Saudi firms participated in BHARAT TEX 2025, held in New Delhi in February 2025. Similarly, a delegation of Indian companies, led by EPCH, along with artisans supported by the Ministry of Textiles, participated in Saudi INDEX 2025, which took place in September 2025.

Both parties agreed to continue utilizing these forums to display collaborative innovations and investigate new market and investment avenues.

The Indian delegation presented its 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 enhance domestic manufacturing. The Saudi delegation expressed interest in aligning these initiatives with their industrial and investment goals.