India-Africa bilateral trade crossed the $100 billion milestone in the financial year 2024–25, nearly doubling from $56 billion recorded in 2019–20 — making India the third-largest trading partner of Africa after China ($280+ billion) and the European Union. The milestone was highlighted in November 2025 by Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh at the 20th India-Africa Business Conclave in New Delhi. Key exports from India to Africa include: pharmaceuticals, machinery, cotton textiles, engineering goods, and petroleum products. Africa exports crude oil, minerals, gold, and agricultural commodities to India. India has deepened engagement through the India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS) framework, launched in 2008. The partnership is significant as Africa — with 54 nations and a combined GDP of over $3 trillion — is increasingly seen as a strategic partner for India's Global South diplomacy. Rajasthan's marble, handicraft, and textile industries have emerging export linkages with East and West African markets. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), operational since 2021, is expected to further enhance trade opportunities.
India-Africa Trade Crosses $100 Billion in 2024–25: India Becomes Africa's 3rd Largest Trading Partner
India-Africa bilateral trade crossed the $100 billion milestone in the financial year 2024–25, nearly doubling from $56 billion recorded in 2019–20 — making India the third-largest trading partner of Africa after China ($280+ billion) and the European Union. The milestone was highlighted in November 2025 by Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh at the 20th India-Africa Business Conclave in New Delhi. Key exports from India to Africa include: pharmaceuticals, machinery, cotton textiles, engineering goods, and petroleum products. Africa exports crude oil, minerals, gold, and agricultural commodities to India. India has deepened engagement through the India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS) framework, launched in 2008. The partnership is significant as Africa — with 54 nations and a combined GDP of over $3 trillion — is increasingly seen as a strategic partner for India's Global South diplomacy. Rajasthan's marble, handicraft, and textile industries have emerging export linkages with East and West African markets. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), operational since 2021, is expected to further enhance trade opportunities.
Key facts
- India-Africa trade crossed $100 billion in 2024–25, nearly doubling from $56 billion in 2019–20.
- India became Africa's third-largest trading partner after China and the EU.
- Key Indian exports to Africa include pharmaceuticals, machinery, and cotton textiles.
- India has engaged through the India-Africa Forum Summit framework since 2008.
- The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is expected to further boost trade.
- Rajasthan's marble, handicraft, and textile industries have emerging African market links.
6-axis classification
Appears in these topics
Source: PIB
Frequently asked questions
What was the value of India-Africa bilateral trade in 2024–25 and how does it compare to 2019–20?
India-Africa bilateral trade crossed $100 billion in 2024–25, nearly doubling from $56 billion recorded in 2019–20. This milestone makes India Africa's third-largest trading partner after China and the European Union.
Where does India rank as a trading partner of Africa and who are the top two partners?
India is Africa's third-largest trading partner. China leads with over $280 billion in bilateral trade with Africa, followed by the European Union. India crossed the $100 billion mark in 2024–25.
What are India's major exports to Africa?
India's key exports to Africa include pharmaceuticals, machinery, cotton textiles, engineering goods, and petroleum products. India is a dominant supplier of generic medicines to African nations.
What is the India-Africa Forum Summit and when was it established?
The India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS) is the primary multilateral platform for structured diplomatic and economic engagement between India and African nations. It was established in 2008 and meets approximately every three years.
How is the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) expected to affect India-Africa trade?
The AfCFTA, which creates a single continental market across 54 African nations with a combined GDP of $3 trillion, is expected to simplify trade logistics and expand market access. This is projected to further boost India-Africa trade by reducing intra-African tariff barriers and enabling India to serve a larger integrated African market.
Was this useful?
Share corrections or missing exam angles with the editorial team.
Send feedback