Key Highlights:

• An overview of top imports to India that drive import business in India.

• As per import data, India's overall imports amounted to $10.21 billion during 2024-2025.

• HS codes of the top 3 products from the most imported items in India include 2709 (Crude Petroleum & Bituminous Oils), 7108 (Gold & Platinum (Wrought/Unwrought)), and 2711 (Petroleum Gas & Hydrocarbons).

• As per the top buyers list,  India’s major imports come from Thailand, China and South Korea.

• Reliance International Leasing IFSC Limited ranked first in the top importer list by contributing 6.14% of the total imports during 2024-2025.
  
  

Impact of India’s Major Imports of Trade

India’s imports supplement the domestic demand-supply gap, create ease of access to diverse global products, catalyse industrialisation, support reshipping of finished goods, and help maintain the global trade network. The major imports, however, need to be kept in check to avoid trade deficits, competitive prices, and reduced demands for the locally produced goods. India imports majorly from China, Russia, the UAE, the US, Saudi Arabia, and Singapore.

Top 10 Products Imported In India

 

India’s Top 10 Imports & Their Leading Importers

1. Crude Petroleum & Bituminous Oils

Crude petroleum & bituminous oils rank first in the list of top imports to India. It is imported to supplement its domestic production, meet industrial demands, and support a growing economy. It imports from the United Arab Emirates, Iraq, Russia, Saudi Arabia, and Singapore. Reliance Industries Limited and Indian Oil Corporation Limited are two of the country's biggest purchasers.

2. Gold & Platinum (Wrought/Unwrought)

Demand for gold is driven by cultural importance, significant investment objects, and financial security. India imports gold and platinum to meet the limited mine production and processing demands. Banks and registered agencies import gold in India, while Brinks and HDFC Bank are the top two importers.

3.  Petroleum Gas & Hydrocarbons

Petroleum gas & hydrocarbons rank third among India’s major imports. India imports petroleum gas and hydrocarbons to meet its growing demand for energy that exceeds its limited oil & gas reserves and local production. India imported $29.07 billion worth of petroleum gas & hydrocarbons during 2024-2025.

4. Electronic Circuits and Parts

India imports electronic circuits and parts to meet the consumers' and industries' demand for advanced technology. The top importers of electronic circuits and parts in India include Foxconn Hon Hai Technology India Mega Development Pvt. Ltd., Samsung India Electronics Pvt. Ltd. and Tata Electronics Systems Solutions Pvt. Ltd.

5. Coal Briquettes & Solid Fuels

In order to meet the increasing local demand for industry and power generation, the lack of high-quality coking coal for steel manufacturing, and the necessity for cleaner and alternative fuel sources. India’s coal import during 2024-2025 amounted to $26.15 billion.

6. Smartphones & Mobile Phones

Earlier, India’s top imports list included smartphones and mobile phones due to rare production. Over the years the import has gone down drastically with government-incentivised production support. These goods are now imported to support manufacturing and for specific requirements. Apple Operations Ltd is among the top companies that export smartphones and mobile phones to India.

7. Wrought & Unwrought Diamonds

Wrought and unwrought diamonds rank seventh among India’s major imports. In order to meet the need for raw materials for processed and completed jewellery, both worked and unwrought diamonds are imported. India’s jewellery designs are well known globally. India imported $15.38 billion worth of wrought and unwrought diamonds during 2024-25.

8. Refined & Unrefined Palm Oil

India imports refined & unrefined palm oil for multiple reasons, like cheaper cost, low domestic production, and utilisation in household cooking, food processing, and industrialisation. Major oil is imported from Singapore, while Patanjali Foods Limited is the major importer of palm oil in India.

9. Data Processing Machines & Readers

India uses imported data processing machines and readers to manage its large population and growing economy. HP India Sales Pvt. topped the 2024-25 import list by contributing 15.07% of the total import.

10. Aircraft/Spacecraft

Aircraft and spacecraft are imported because of a lack of infrastructure to manufacture them, as well as the fact that the requirements of specialised and advanced components are not yet domestically designed or produced and the demand for them is rapidly growing in a big market and expansion in the aviation sector.
 

What are the top imports to India, and where do they come from?

 

India’s top 5 imports include crude petroleum & bituminous oils, gold & platinum (wrought/unwrought), and petroleum gas hydrocarbons. Taiwan,

The country-wise top exporters for these goods are Somo, MKS Pamp, ADNOC Global Trading, Apple Operations Limited, and Tata Steel Co. Pvt. Limited.

In A Nutshell

Top imports in India are traded to supplement the production gap and support the manufacturing and reshipping of finished goods. The Indian government has been supporting the Indian manufacturers through benefits including enhanced FDI limits, streamlined processes, and investor facilitation cells in order to support the local manufacturer and industrialization simultaneously.

Are you a manufacturer planning to expand your import market of raw materials to boost production? You can monitor the competitors' trade analysis. Track market trends, gain verified contacts, and reach out to global sellers through the  Ex-Im application.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What does India import from Russia?
India imports mineral fuels and oil from Russia; major imports include crude oil. Fertilisers, pearls, precious stones, and a variety of manufactured items like metals and machinery are also included in India’s major import list.

2. Why is India such a big importer?
As a growing economy, India's major imports include raw materials, machinery, and essential goods to meet its domestic production gap and diverse demands and products supplementing the industrial boom.

3. What does India import the most?
India’s major imports include mineral fuel, machinery, precious metals (mainly gold), and electrical machinery and equipment.

4. How to import electronic items?
Gather the necessary certifications and complete GST registration, and plan packaging and transport. Once ready, learn chapter-wise HS codes, monitor market trends, and reach out to verified sellers through the Ex-Im application.

5. What food does India import?
India imports food to meet the consumers' demands for diverse food and to fill in the demand-supply gap. The imported food includes vegetable oils (sunflower, soy, and palm), pulses, dry fruits, packaged foods, sauces, spices, and condiments.

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