RIYADH – The India Pavilion at INDEX Saudi Arabia 2025 was officially inaugurated at the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Centre, marking a significant showcase of India’s vibrant handicrafts sector. The pavilion was opened by H.E. Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan, Ambassador of India to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in a ceremony organized by the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH) and the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India. The exhibition runs from 9–11 September 2025.
In conjunction with the exhibition, an interactive session titled “India – The Ideal Destination for Handicrafts Sourcing” was held, drawing prominent Saudi industry leaders, designers, and business representatives. In his keynote address, Ambassador Khan highlighted the immense scale and impact of India’s handicrafts industry, noting that it supports the livelihoods of over 7 million artisans, a significant number of whom are women and from rural communities. He also drew attention to the “One District One Product (ODOP)” programme, a government initiative designed to promote unique crafts from every district of India.
The session was attended by distinguished guests, including renowned Saudi designer Ms. Iman AbdulEllah Abuljadayel and representatives from leading Saudi companies. India’s prominent participation holds special significance as it coincides with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s celebration of 2025 as the “Year of Handicrafts.”
The India Pavilion serves as a dynamic platform for leading Indian handicraft exporters to display the nation’s rich heritage of craftsmanship. A key attraction is the live demonstrations by five National Award-winning master artisans, who are presenting the best of Indian traditional crafts to the Kingdom. The featured artisans include:
- Mr. Man Mohan Soni (Uttar Pradesh) – Metal Engraving
- Mr. Prem Chand (New Delhi) – Terracotta Crafts
- Mr. Prethap Poothamcode Arjunan (Kerala) – Coconut Shell Crafts
- Ms. Umme Salma Khatun (West Bengal) – Kantha Embroidery
- Ms. Jashobanti Meher (Odisha) – Natural Fibre Crafts
The pavilion showcases a diverse range of handcrafted products, from home textiles and furniture to decoratives and kitchenware. Leading Indian companies are presenting their unique collections, offering Saudi buyers and design professionals exceptional sourcing opportunities. Participating exhibitors include:
- Elegant International – Stand No. 2E38 (Aluminium Cake Domes, Wooden Trays, Iron Decorative Pillars)
- Anunay Fab Ltd. – Stand No. 2E30 (Bed Linen)
- House of Incas – Stand No. 2D35 (Cushion Covers, Embroidered Pouches)
- M.R.A Enterprises Pvt. Ltd. – Stand No. 2D39 (Cushion Covers, Curtains, Bed Covers, Napkins)
- Primor Overseas – Stand No. 2D37 (Stainless Steel Utensils, Kitchen Tools & Tableware)
- Shree Sai De Art – Stand No. 2D31 (Decoratives, Furniture, Bath Accessories)
The India Pavilion at INDEX Saudi Arabia 2025 stands as a powerful symbol of Indian craftsmanship, creativity, and sustainability, further strengthening the cultural and commercial ties between India and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
