Key Highlights:

• A detailed outlook on the top trading partners of India for 2024-25.

• India’s exports to the world accounted for $434.435 billion in 2024-25.

• India’s imports to the world accounted for $697.745 billion in 2024-25. 

India - an economy that is home to several products, ideas and billions of dollars across oceans. Whether it's pure crude oil from the Gulf or fragrant spices from European countries, India's imports and exports touch every nook and corner of the globe today. Curious to know more about the top trading partners of India? Read on to find out.

Top 10 Trading Partners of India

While there are many more countries that India imports and exports with, these are the hottest 10 destinations for global trade featuring India for 2024-25.

 

1. USA

From Harvard to Hollywood, the Statue of Liberty to the tech-driven Silicon Valley, the U.S.A is more than just a country. In fact, it's a global trade icon for other countries to partner with. As a global leader in finance, innovation and technology, it's no surprise that the USA stands as one of the key trade partners for India. As per global trade data, the United States and India exchanged several goods including pharmaceuticals, electronic equipment, articles of iron and steel, agricultural commodities, high-end machinery, apart from others in 2024-25.

2. United Kingdom

Next in line as one of the major trade partners for India is the UK. While the United Kingdom may be the perfect getaway for your summer vacation, it’s much more than that when it comes to global trade. In fact, from India’s standpoint, the United Kingdom exports a range of modern-day commodities including engineering products, machinery, spices and other agricultural foods. In short, the Big Ben nation is definitely an old ally for India for trade partners.

3. Germany

What’s the first thing that you think of when you hear of Germany? Is it the luminous Christmas markets or the divine sausages? Well, that’s not all. German automobiles are a world favourite, especially in India., thanks to its precision and performance. Apart from that, the Indo-German trade is characterized by textiles, technology, pharmaceuticals and other chemicals. It’s indeed a match where East meets the West.

4. China

From the Great Wall to great deals, China continues to be one of India’s biggest trade partners  —despite the occasional political hiccup. Whether it’s electronic goods, engineering parts, or those tiny mobile chargers we can’t live without, China’s factories are constantly buzzing for Indian consumers and businesses alike. In 2024-25, India imported a hefty volume of electrical machinery, organic chemicals, and telecom equipment, while exporting iron ore, cotton, and chemicals to its massive neighbour. Think of it as a trade relationship that’s complicated—but too big to ignore.

5. Netherlands

When talking about the top trading partners of India, it’s hard to miss the Netherlands from the list. In fact, through its Dutch ports, the country exports and imports a diverse range of products including seafood, organic chemicals, refined petroleum to name a few.

6. United Arab Emirates

Just a four-hour flight away, the UAE is like that well-connected cousin who knows everyone—and deals in everything. From its potent crude oil rigs to precious diamonds or the Sharjah markets, the United Arab Emirates is home to a variety of products that balances essentials with glamour.

7. Australia

We’ve heard of the United States, China and the Netherlands as top trading partners of India. But, to our surprise, the Aussie nation is also a key partner for India when it comes to global trade. From pulses to coal, the nation imports and exports a significant amount of products, enhancing its reliability to India.

8. Bangladesh

Why search across the globe for top trading partners of India when you can just hover over India’s neighbouring countries? Yes, you heard that right. Bangladesh is another top trading partner of India. With rich history and cultural heritage, the trade flows between both the countries is quite the seamless one. 

And, the product portfolio backs this. From cotton & automobiles to raw materials and jute-based products, both nations import and export frequently. In short, India and Bangladesh are making the most of their proximity.

9. Indonesia

India also partners with island nations including Indonesia. The tropical climates of Indonesia make it a favourable supplier of fruits, coconuts and rubber, all of which are quite essential for India’s economic growth.

10. Switzerland

Lastly, the snow-covered Alp mountains of Switzerland are indeed a winter wonderland for India, especially when it comes to imports and exports. From chocolates and precious gemstones to textiles and machinerally, the Indo-Swiss trade timepiece is indeed a strategic one.
 

In A Nutshell

All in all, India’s trading partners are a testament to its own diverse economy, spanning across a range of commodities, continents and cultures. And the nation’s trade game doesn’t stop there with these 10 nations. In fact, the world is India’s oyster for many opportunities to tap into. Want to know more about what products these nations export and import to India to find the right fit for your business? Book a demo with Ex-Im today!
 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who are India's 5 top trading partners of India?
Import export data suggest that the top 5 trading partners of India include the USA, China, the United Kingdom, the UAE and Indonesia.

2. What does India import the most?
While India imports numerous products from its trade partners, the top imports include crude products, precious metals, electrical machinery and gemstones to name a few.

3. Did India’s imports and exports increase in 2024-25?
Absolutely! India witnessed a 0.7% growth in 2024-25 as compared to the previous year in terms of its exports and imports.

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