In a strategic move to deepen economic relations, a distinguished delegation from Saudi Arabia, headed by its Vice-Minister for Industry and Mineral Resources, Khalil ibn Salamah, recently held crucial talks with Neelam Shami Rao, the Secretary of India’s Union Ministry of Textiles. The meeting, which took place in New Delhi, focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation within the vibrant textile sector.
Historically, India has been a significant player in supplying textiles and apparel to Saudi Arabia. In 2024, India emerged as the second-largest supplier to the Saudi market, contributing $517.5 million and capturing an 11.2% share of Saudi Arabia’s total textile and apparel imports. This highlights a strong foundation for future growth.
A central theme of the discussions was the exploration of substantial investment opportunities for Saudi Arabia, particularly in India’s burgeoning Ready-Made Garments (RMG) sector. The dialogue also underscored the complementary strengths of both nations: Saudi Arabia’s well-established petrochemical-based industries can perfectly align with India’s expanding prowess in Man-Made Fibre (MMF) and specialized technical textiles. This collaboration promises mutual benefits and advancements for the textile industries of both countries.