India launched its pavilion at INDEX Saudi Arabia 2025, the kingdom’s flagship interiors trade show running from September 9-11, 2025 at Riyadh Front Exhibition and Conference Centre. The inauguration was conducted by Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan, Ambassador of India to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, alongside representatives from the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts and the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India.
The launch coincided with an interactive session titled ‘India -The Ideal Destination for Handicrafts Sourcing’, where Ambassador Khan delivered the keynote address. He highlighted that India’s handicrafts sector ranks among the world’s largest, providing livelihoods for over 7 million artisans, with many being women from rural communities. The ambassador also emphasized the Government of India’s One District One Product programme, which promotes crafts from every district across the country.
The session drew attendance from Saudi industry leaders, including renowned designer Iman AbdulEllah Abuljadayel, and representatives from leading Saudi companies. The timing of India’s participation carries special significance as Saudi Arabia is celebrating the Year of Handicrafts in 2025.
The Indian pavilion features leading handicraft exporters and showcases India’s rich craftsmanship heritage through live demonstrations by National Award-winning artisans. Five master craftspersons are participating this year, representing diverse traditional arts from across India. These include Man Mohan Soni from Uttar Pradesh demonstrating metal engraving crafts, Prem Chand from New Delhi showcasing terracotta crafts, Prethap Poothamcode Arjunan from Kerala presenting coconut shell crafts, Umme Salma Khatun from West Bengal displaying Kantha embroidery, and Jashobanti Meher from Odisha demonstrating natural fiber crafts.
Several prominent Indian companies are exhibiting under the India Pavilion, displaying a wide variety of handcrafted products. The India Pavilion represents the country’s commitment to craftsmanship, creativity, and sustainability, offering Saudi buyers and design professionals unique sourcing opportunities in the growing regional market for interior design and home decor products.