Team siliconindia

• India and Saudi Arabia explore joint investment in textiles and ready-made garments
• Focus on man-made fibres and technical textiles for future trade growth
• Saudi delegation shows interest in India’s PM MITRA and PLI schemes

India and Saudi Arabia are stepping up cooperation in the textiles sector, with both nations exploring new investment opportunities and ways to boost trade. A high level Saudi delegation led by Vice Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, Khalil bin Salamah, met with India’s Textiles Secretary Neelam Shami Rao in New Delhi to discuss ways to deepen bilateral collaboration.

The discussions centred around enhancing production capacity and expanding market reach through joint ventures in ready-made garments (RMG), technical textiles, and man-made fibre (MMF) sectors. Both countries agreed that these areas hold strong potential to drive the next phase of trade and manufacturing collaboration.

The Indian side showcased its key policy initiatives, the PM MITRA Parks and the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme, which aim to attract global investors and boost domestic manufacturing in the textile sector. The Saudi delegation expressed interest in aligning these with their national priorities under the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.

Man-made fibres and technical textiles, which offer wide ranging industrial uses, were identified as major growth areas. The two countries also discussed the potential for technology exchange, raw material sourcing, and co-development of innovative products.

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In 2024, India became the second largest supplier of textiles and apparel to Saudi Arabia, accounting for $517.5 million in exports, nearly 11.2% of the Kingdom’s total imports in this sector.

This partnership could pave the way for increased foreign direct investment in Indian textiles and help both nations strengthen their global trade positions.