Russia and India to strengthen cooperation in textile sector
03 January 2026: Russia and India have agreed to deepen their partnership in the textile industry, with plans to expand production and increase trade in raw materials, finished textiles and equipment. The discussions took place in Moscow between Russia’s Deputy Ministers of Industry and Trade, Aleksey Gruzdev and Ivan Kulikov, and India’s Minister of State for Textiles, Pabitra Margherita during his recent visit.
Pabitra Margherita also inaugurated the “Best of India – Indian Apparel and Textile Fair” in Moscow which was held from 01-03 October 2025. The exclusive exhibition and buyer-seller meet will serve as a strategic gateway for Indian exporters to expand their presence in Russia and CIS markets. Over 100 Indian companies are expected to participate, showcasing products ranging from handloom and handicrafts to home furnishings, carpets, linens, apples, and garments. The fair will attract around 1,000 domestic and international buyers, providing Indian businesses a direct engagement platform with leading importers, wholesalers, and retailers from Russia. The fair is being presented by the Handloom Export Promotion Council (HEPC).
India and Russia are actively boosting their textile industry cooperation by filling gaps left by Western brands, focusing on increased exports of finished textiles, raw materials, and machinery, promoting joint ventures, and supporting industry events to meet Russia’s demand, with India aiming to become a major supplier in this growing trade partnership. Both nations aim to significantly increase bilateral trade, with textiles identified as a key sector for growth, leveraging India’s manufacturing strength, skilled workforce and quality standards.
Russia’s apparel market is growing steadily, with shoppers gravitating towards durable materials, everyday essentials, and culturally expressive pieces. At the same time, foreign brands are entering the market primarily through online channels, which lowers the barrier for newcomers. For Indian manufacturers, this combination offers a rare chance to scale their presence – provided they understand the structure of local demand and tailor their offering accordingly.
Russia’s apparel market is showing moderate growth. In 2025, the market stands at RUB 4.4 trillion, up 8% year-on-year. Consumer demand is shifting towards higher price point items and conscious consumption: garments need to be durable and made from quality materials.
