India Pushes Textile Exports In Russia With Apparel Fair In Moscow
India is stepping up efforts to expand its textile footprint in Russia, urging stronger buyer-supplier linkages between the two countries. On Wednesday, Pabitra Margherita, Minister of State for External Affairs and Textiles, inaugurated the Indian Apparels & Textile Fair 2025 in Moscow, underscoring India’s resolve to deepen trade ties with its “time-tested friend.”
In his keynote address, Margherita highlighted the quality and capacity of Indian textiles to meet Russian market demand, while noting that India currently accounts for less than 2% of Russia’s textile imports. “This share must rise,” he said, calling for greater engagement from Russian buyers.
The three-day fair, running until October 3, features more than 30 Indian companies under the aegis of the Handicrafts & Carpet Export Promotion Council (HEPC). Exhibitors are showcasing handloom textiles, handicrafts, home décor, carpets, linens and garments to an expected audience of around 1,000 domestic and international buyers, including importers, wholesalers, and retailers.
H.E. Vinay Kumar, India’s Ambassador to Russia, said the proposed Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and the Eurasian Customs Union could significantly improve access for Indian products in the region, further boosting bilateral trade opportunities.
The outreach to Russia comes at a critical juncture for India’s textile sector. The United States, India’s largest apparel export market, recently doubled tariffs on Indian textiles from 25% to 50%, in response to India’s continued purchase of Russian crude oil amid the Ukraine conflict. The tariff hike has weighed heavily on Indian shipments, prompting New Delhi to diversify its export destinations.
Alongside Russia, India is actively targeting over 40 markets, including Germany, Australia, and the UK, as part of a broader strategy to reduce reliance on traditional buyers and secure new growth avenues for its textile industry.
