India Seeks to Boost Textile Exports to Russia and CIS Countries

India Eyes Textile Export Boom to Russia Amid Diversification Efforts

Moscow, Russia – October 5, 2023 – In a strategic move to bolster its textile exports, India is actively pursuing opportunities to enhance its trade relations with Russia and other Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries. This initiative comes as part of India’s broader efforts to diversify its export markets.

During a recent three-day official visit to Russia, Minister of State for Textiles and External Affairs, Pabitra Margherita, emphasized India’s commitment to deepening engagement with the Russian textile industry. The discussions encompassed key areas such as trade, technology, and manpower, signaling a robust intent to collaborate.

Currently, India exports textiles worth approximately USD 37.4 billion, with aspirations to triple this figure by 2030. “We are trying to diversify our markets and explore new opportunities,” Margherita stated in a phone interview following his visit.

Russia, which imports around USD 12 billion worth of textiles annually, has seen India’s share remain minimal. Margherita’s discussions with Russian Deputy Ministers for Trade and Commerce focused on future collaborations, including enhancing industrial cooperation and inviting Russian companies to India’s flagship PM MITRA parks, which offer world-class integrated infrastructure.

A significant highlight of the visit was Margherita’s engagement with officials and industry stakeholders in the Ivanovo region, a historical hub for Russia’s textile industry. “We discussed potential collaborations, technology exchanges, and joint ventures,” he noted, adding that there is a demand for skilled Indian workers in the Russian textile sector.

Margherita also visited Indian workers at a textile factory in Ivanovo, acknowledging their vital contributions. “Russia offers good working conditions and remuneration, presenting immense opportunities for skilled Indian workers,” he remarked.

In a cultural exchange, Russia plans to showcase Indian handlooms at a prestigious venue, the Tsaritsyno Museum in Moscow, in December 2025. The exhibition, titled “Fabric of Time: India,” aims to celebrate the rich textile traditions of both nations.

Additionally, Margherita inaugurated the “Best of India – Indian Apparel and Textile Fair” in Moscow, which took place from October 1-3. The event attracted over 100 exhibitors and an estimated 10,000 visitors, facilitating numerous business-to-business meetings aimed at strengthening India’s textile exports to Russia and the wider CIS region.

As India navigates challenges such as the 50% Trump tariffs on textiles to the U.S., the focus on Russia and CIS countries represents a strategic pivot in India’s export strategy. With ongoing discussions and initiatives, the future of India’s textile industry looks promising on the global stage.