India-Russia Ties | Image: Freepix
India is taking significant steps to enhance its textile exports to Russia while also considering opportunities in other CIS nations. The move comes as the country seeks to diversify its markets and strengthen its global trade relations.
During a recent official visit to Russia, Minister of State for Textiles and External Affairs, Pabitra Margherita, emphasized India’s commitment to fostering deeper ties with the Russian textile sector. The discussions encompassed various areas, including trade, technology transfer, and human resources.
As of now, India’s textile exports stand at approximately USD 37.4 billion, with ambitions to triple this figure by the year 2030. In a conversation with ANI following the conclusion of his visit, Margherita stated, “We are focused on diversifying our markets and are exploring new opportunities.”
Russia, which imports textiles valued at around USD 12 billion from international markets each year, currently sees a minimal share from India, indicating a substantial potential for growth.
During his trip, Margherita engaged in discussions with Russian Deputy Ministers for Trade and Commerce, focusing on avenues for future collaboration.
“We explored strategies for enhancing our cooperation in the textile sector by promoting industrial collaboration, research and development, investment opportunities, and academic partnerships,” he shared on X. He also invited Russian enterprises to participate in India’s PM MITRA parks, which offer world-class integrated infrastructure and access to skilled labor.
A standout moment of the visit was his engagement with key officials and industry representatives in the Ivanovo region, recognized as a historical center for the textile industry in Russia.
“I had discussions with a prominent delegation, including provincial officials, regarding potential collaborations, technology sharing, joint ventures, and investments. They expressed interest not only in importing textiles from India but also in hiring more skilled Indian workers for their textile sector,” Margherita remarked.
Margherita also visited Indian workers at a local textile factory, recognizing their critical contributions to the industry.
“I had the chance to meet with Indian workers employed at a textile factory in the Ivanovo region. I appreciated their efforts and reaffirmed our dedication to ensuring safe, legal, and orderly migration of skilled, semi-skilled, and unskilled Indian workers abroad through the e-Migrate platform,” he stated.
The Ivanovo textile sector is reportedly ready to accommodate at least 2,500 Indian workers this year.
“Russia offers favorable working conditions and competitive salaries, making it an attractive destination for skilled Indian workers,” Margherita added.
In a bid to enhance cultural exchange and trade relations, Russia is set to feature Indian handlooms at a prominent venue in the near future. This initiative is expected to garner significant attention, given the venue’s two million annual visitors.
The Tsaritsyno Museum in Moscow is slated to host an exhibition titled ‘Fabric of Time: India’ in December 2025, showcasing a variety of Indian textile products curated by the National Crafts Museum & Hastkala Academy. This event marks a significant step towards mutual exploration of the rich textile traditions of both nations.
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The Minister also inaugurated the Best of India – Indian Apparel and Textile Fair in Moscow, which took place from October 1-3.
“The event featured over 100 exhibitors and producers, and there were numerous B2B meetings throughout the three days, attracting an estimated audience of over 10,000 visitors,” he noted.
Organized by the Handloom Export Promotion Council (HEPC), this event aimed to bolster India’s textile exports to Russia and unlock new opportunities across the broader CIS region.
The Best of India – Indian Apparels and Textile Fair highlighted the strengths of India’s handloom and textile industry. Additionally, Margherita engaged with representatives from Russian textile companies during the event.
“I informed them about the entire textiles value chain in India, from man-made fibers to exports, and discussed the related infrastructure and advantages. I also elaborated on the upcoming PM Mitra parks, where companies will benefit from comprehensive facilities – from yarn production to apparel manufacturing. Like many other sectors, India is increasingly regarded as a preferred destination for textiles,” he added.
These advancements come at a time when Indian textiles are grappling with a 50% tariff imposed by the Trump administration, complicating export efforts to the key market, the United States.
