As one of the world’s largest economies, India plays a significant role in global trade, with its import and export dynamics reflecting both its economic strength and international relations.
In January 2025 India exported $36.4B and imported $59.4B, resulting in a negative trade balance of $23B. Between January 2024 and January 2025 the exports of India have decreased by $508M (-1.38%), from $36.9B to $36.4B, while imports increased by $6.08B (11.4%) from $53.4B to $59.4B.
In 2023, India was the number 5 (out of 195) economy in the world in terms of GDP ($3.57T current US$), the number 12 (out of 226) in total exports, the number 148 (out of 196) economy in terms of GDP per capita (current US$).
Top export Partners of India
United states
the United states remains India’s Largest export partner, accounting for approx. 17% of total exports. In 2024, the value of exports to the U.S. is estimated at around $50 billion. Key exports to the united states include textile, pharmaceuticals, machinery and software services.
United Arab Emirates (UAE)
The UAE is a significant trading partner, comprising about 9% of India’s total exports, roughly valued at $25 billion in 2024. Major exports to the UAE consists of gold, textile, machinery, and agriculture products.
China
India’s export to China represents 7% of the total, with an estimated value of around $20 billion in 2024. Key exports to China includes organic chemicals, cotton and ores.
Bangladesh
Bangladesh is also a vital partner, making up 6% of India’s total exports, valued at approximately $18 billion for 2024. India primarily exports textiles, agriculture products, and engineering goods to Bangladesh.
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom accounts for 5% of India’s exports, values at about $15 billion in 2024. Key exports to the UK include jewelry, textile and machinery.
Top Import Partners of India
China
China is India’s largest source of imports, constituting 13% of total imports, valued at approximately $70 billion in 2024. Major imports from China includes electronics, machinery, organic chemicals and active pharmaceutical ingredients.
United States
The United States is also a crucial supplier, accounting for 7% of the India’s imports, valued around $40 billion in 2024. Key imports from the U.S. include crude oil, aircraft, machinery, and technology products.
United Arab Emirates (UAE)
The UAE plays a significant role in India’s imports, comprising 6% of total imports, roughly valued at $30 billion. Major imports from the UAE includes gold and petroleum.
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia provides 5% of India’s imports, worth approximately $25 billion in 2024. Key imports consist of crude oil, chemicals, and fertilizers.
Iraq
Iraq ranks as a significant import partner as well, accounting for 4% of India’s imports, valued at around $22 billion. India primarily imports crude oil from Iraq.
India’s trade dynamics in 2025 continue to show notable changes, encompassing both possibilities and difficulties. According to preliminary data, total exports increased by 5%, increasing the expected export value from around $323 billion in 2024 to about $340 billion. Strong demand for Indian textiles, medications, and technological solutions—particularly in the US and the UAE, where exports to these countries alone accounted for more than 26% of total exports—has been the main driver of this increase.
However, overall imports have risen by a more pronounced 8%, from $240 billion in 2024 to almost $260 billion in 2025. The primary drivers of this growth are rising crude oil prices and an increase in the demand for electronic components.
On the other hand, imports as a whole have increased by a more noticeable 8%, rising from $240 billion in 2024 to roughly $260 billion in 2025. Rising crude oil prices and growing demand for machinery and electronic components from China, India’s top import partner with $70 billion for 2025—a 10% rise from 2024—have been heavily blamed for this spike. Additionally, there has been a 6% increase in U.S. imports as a result of increased demand for airplanes and high-tech products.
Even with exports generally upward trajectory, there are still difficulties, especially in industries where competition from around the world is growing. The significant increase in imports, which is predicted to reach over $100 billion in 2025, is expected to cause the trade deficit to grow. This suggests that India must increase its level of self- sufficiency in vital areas like technology and energy.