New Delhi [India], November 14 (ANI): India and Saudi Arabia are “close” to finalising an agreement to double bilateral textile trade, with officials saying Riyadh is looking to significantly scale up imports of India’s high-quality fabrics.
The pact is in its final stages, with duty reductions and several other proposals under negotiation, according to sources in the Textile Ministry. India is currently the second-largest supplier to Saudi Arabia’s textile and apparel sector, exporting USD 517.5 million worth of goods and capturing an 11.2 percent share of the Kingdom’s textile and apparel imports in 2024.
“We are trying to collaborate in such a way that trade goes beyond 20–25 percentage points. Riyadh wants to increase the import share from India. The MoU will have a different type of collaboration,” a senior official said.
Both sides are exploring ways to expand India’s share through collaborative programmes, duty cuts and product-specific partnerships.
“The MoU is almost in the last leg and will be on a larger level with fashion shows, exhibitions and separate fairs. A Saudi delegation will also attend Bharat Tex,” the official added.
In 2024, Saudi Arabia imported USD 6.27 billion worth of textiles and apparel from around the world, including apparel (65 percent), fabrics (15 percent), carpets (8 percent) and made-ups (6 percent), according to ITC Trade Map data. India, the second-largest supplier, exported USD 517.5 million worth of textiles to the Kingdom, while China retained a dominant 46 percent share.
“Saudi Arabia wants to increase its trade share with India because our fabric quality is very good,” the official said, adding that discussions are progressing “very fast.”
A high-level Saudi delegation led by Vice Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Khalil ibn Salamah met India’s Textile Secretary at Udyog Bhawan on Wednesday to advance cooperation in the sector. The meeting also explored potential Saudi investments in India’s ready-made garment sector and opportunities in handloom, handicrafts and carpets, with sustainability emphasized by both sides, according to a statement from the Ministry of Textiles.
The ministry also underscored the potential for deeper collaboration in man-made fiber and technical textiles — areas where India is expanding rapidly and Saudi Arabia holds an advantage as a petrochemical hub.
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