India, Tajikistan Push for Stronger Trade and Investment Ties

Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal, while delivering the opening remarks, said the global trade, technology and supply-chain environment has changed considerably in recent years.

India and Tajikistan have agreed to deepen their economic partnership as officials from both countries met virtually for the 12th Session of the India-Tajikistan Joint Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation. The meeting brought together senior representatives from government ministries and agencies to review progress and identify new opportunities for collaboration across a range of sectors.

Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal, while delivering the opening remarks, said the global trade, technology and supply-chain environment has changed considerably in recent years. He stressed that the strong political understanding and historic friendship shared by the two countries should translate into stronger economic outcomes through greater trade, investment and business engagement.

The session was co-chaired by Mohit Yadav, Joint Secretary in the Department of Commerce, and Nuriddinzoda Ahliddin Nuriddin, Deputy Minister of Economic Development and Trade of Tajikistan.

Trade growth creates new opportunities for businesses

Officials reviewed bilateral trade trends and noted encouraging growth in India's exports to Tajikistan. India's exports to the Central Asian nation are estimated at USD 58.12 million in 2025-26, marking a rise of more than 27 percent over the previous year.

Pharmaceutical products emerged as the leading export category, followed by pulses, dairy-related industrial machinery, scientific instruments, tea, herbal and Ayush products, and refrigeration equipment. The increase in exports reflects growing opportunities for Indian farmers, manufacturers, MSMEs and exporters looking to expand their presence in overseas markets.

The Indian side also highlighted the country's broader economic performance. India recorded GDP growth of 7.7 percent during FY 2025-26, while total exports were estimated at USD 863 billion, including USD 442 billion in merchandise exports and USD 421 billion in services exports.

Both countries agreed that closer coordination among regulators, trade bodies and business chambers can help address market access concerns and improve the ease of doing business for exporters and importers.

Healthcare, services and energy emerge as priority sectors

Pharmaceutical cooperation featured prominently during the discussions. India highlighted the affordability and quality of its medicines and expressed readiness to expand supplies to Tajikistan. Both sides supported stronger regulatory cooperation, quicker product registration processes and greater engagement between businesses operating in the healthcare sector.

Agriculture and food processing also received attention, with discussions covering rice, sugar, pulses, processed foods, agri-technology and food safety standards. India conveyed its willingness to expand agricultural trade in ways that support food security and consumer needs.

The two countries also explored opportunities in services trade, including information technology, healthcare, education, tourism, innovation, start-ups and skill development. Services exports from India to Tajikistan reached USD 123.89 million in 2024, while Tajikistan's services exports to India stood at USD 37.56 million.

Energy, hydropower, renewable energy, mining, critical minerals, textiles, logistics, banking and the digital economy were also identified as sectors with significant potential for future cooperation.

The meeting concluded with the signing of the protocol for the 12th Session, reaffirming the commitment of both countries to expand trade, strengthen industrial partnerships and build a more dynamic economic relationship.