India has strengthened its textile and sericulture partnership with Georgia following a high-level multi-sectoral engagement held between November 17 and 21. A delegation from the Ministry of Textiles, led by P. Sivakumar—Member Secretary of the Central Silk Board (CSB) and Secretary General of the International Sericultural Commission (ISC)—held extensive discussions with government officials, research bodies, and industry representatives across Georgia.
The visit coincided with the 11th BACSA International Conference – CULTUSERI 2025, where Shri Sivakumar delivered the Opening Address on behalf of ISC. He highlighted India’s global leadership in traditional silk knowledge and emphasized its significance for creative and cultural industries. He also presented a technical paper titled “The Chronicles of Wild Silk.” Additionally, CSB’s Director (Tech), Dr. S. Manthira Moorthy, showcased the results of Indo-Bulgarian collaboration that has led to the development of a productive bivoltine silkworm hybrid specifically designed for India’s sericulture sector.
One of the key highlights of the visit was the presentation of CSB’s innovative “5-in-1 Silk Stole,” a premium product that combines Mulberry, Oak Tasar, Tropical Tasar, Muga, and Eri silks. The stole, conceptualized under the Member Secretary’s initiative, was introduced as a distinctive representation of India’s rich silk heritage with strong global market potential.
During the visit, the Indian delegation engaged with universities, sericulture laboratories, research centres, textile companies, apparel manufacturers, carpet traders, and the Georgian Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GCCI). These interactions focused on enhancing bilateral textile trade, expanding industry linkages, and exploring opportunities for joint research in sericulture and silk technology.
Talks with senior Georgian government officials centred on improving market access and identifying new areas of cooperation, including expanded trade in textiles, apparel, carpets, and value-added silk products. Both sides acknowledged the potential for deeper collaboration through institutional partnerships and technical cooperation.
The visit resulted in a strengthened India–Georgia partnership in sericulture research and textile trade, along with increased global visibility for India’s innovation in the silk sector through the 5-in-1 Silk Stole. It also opened new pathways for trade diversification, especially in high-value textiles and carpets, while reinforcing India’s position in the global sericulture landscape through active participation in the BACSA platform.
