India Targets 10% Share of Russia’s Textile Market: Soltex Group Highlights $4–5 Billion Trade Opportunity

Kazan, Russia | October 2026

India could significantly strengthen its position in the Russian textile market over the next three to five years, with the potential to increase its market share from less than 1% to at least 10%, representing an estimated business opportunity of US$4–5 billion.

The opportunity was highlighted by Manish Kumar, President of Soltex Group LLC, during the 2nd Russian-Indian Business Forum “TIME”, held in Kazan, Republic of Tatarstan, from October 14–17, 2026.

Speaking about the future of bilateral textile trade, Manish Kumar identified the textile sector as an important area for addressing the existing trade imbalance between India and Russia.

“We are constantly trying to address the trade deficit between Russia and India, and textiles could become a niche that would help increase exports. During the Soviet era, India held 55% of the market, whereas today its share accounts for less than 1% of the entire Russian textile market,” he stated.

With the Russian domestic textile market estimated at approximately US$40 billion, the potential for expanding Indian supplies is considerable. According to Kumar, achieving a market share of at least 10% within the next three to five years is an achievable objective if both countries strengthen their commercial engagement.

Building a Stronger India–Russia Textile Partnership

The discussion at the forum brought together representatives of the Indian and Russian textile industries, exporters, business associations and companies interested in developing new sourcing and manufacturing partnerships.

Muthuswamy Anand, Chairman of the Branding & Sustainability Sub-Committee and Deputy Secretary of the Tiruppur Exporters’ Association, expressed confidence in the potential for Indian textile companies to establish a stronger presence in Russia. He also indicated his interest in launching a brand in the Russian market.

On the Russian side, Shamkhal Ildarov, President of the Russian Association of Textile Manufacturers, identified Indian raw materials, yarn and fabrics as important areas for expanding bilateral cooperation.

He noted that Indian manufacturers already supply a wide range of textile products internationally, and that the Russian market could benefit from greater access to these supplies.

Beyond Exports: Manufacturing, Sourcing and Workforce Cooperation

The discussions also highlighted opportunities beyond conventional textile exports.

Cooperation in skilled workforce development emerged as another important area. Lidia Filatova, Director of the international recruitment agency Synergy, pointed to the growing shortage of qualified personnel in the textile industry and described India as a reliable partner in addressing this challenge.

Another promising direction is the possibility of Russian companies manufacturing textile products in India and using the country as a base for reaching international markets.

Raman Datta, Founder and Chairman of the Brands & Sourcing Leaders Association – INDIA, also discussed opportunities for introducing Russian brands into India’s offline and online retail markets.

These developments point towards a broader model of cooperation involving manufacturing, sourcing, distribution, brand development and market access.

Soltex Group: Connecting Indian Textile Manufacturers with Russian Buyers

For Soltex Group, the discussions at the TIME Business Forum reflect the growing commercial importance of India–Russia textile cooperation.

India offers an established manufacturing base across terry products, bath towels, hotel linen, bedsheets, cotton fabrics and other home textile categories. At the same time, Russia represents an important market for international sourcing, hospitality supplies and textile distribution.

Soltex Group sees considerable potential in developing commercial connections between Indian manufacturers and Russian importers, wholesalers, distributors and hospitality businesses.

The company’s focus on international sourcing and trade coordination provides a platform for exploring long-term partnerships, customised textile supplies and private-label opportunities.

The next phase of India–Russia textile cooperation will depend on converting these discussions into practical business arrangements, reliable supply channels and sustainable partnerships between companies in both countries.

The TIME Business Forum in Kazan

The 2nd Russian-Indian Business Forum “TIME” brought together representatives from 38 Russian regions and 26 administrative divisions of India.

Its business program featured 36 major events, including 23 expert sessions. Hosted at the Center of Unique Excellence (TSUM) in Kazan, the forum also included the exhibition “Russia–India: Interregional Partnership”, B2B meetings, industrial visits, cultural programs and sporting events.

The forum provided a platform for businesses and industry representatives to explore opportunities for strengthening economic and commercial relations between the two countries.

For India and Russia, textiles could become much more than another export category. They could emerge as a significant pillar of long-term industrial and commercial cooperation.

Soltex Group
Connecting Indian Manufacturers with Global Markets