India-Uganda Trade Talks Resume After 23 Years, Focus on Key Sectors & Investment Boost

The third session of the India-Uganda Joint Trade Committee (JTC) was held in New Delhi on March 25-26, 2025, marking the resumption of trade discussions after 23 years. Both nations acknowledged that the current trade volume does not reflect their full economic potential and committed to expanding and diversifying trade. A key outcome was the proposal to establish an India-Uganda Joint Business Forum to strengthen industry connections.

Key focus areas included minerals, coffee, cocoa, pulses, spices, dairy, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, banking, and electric vehicles. Both sides explored MoUs in public works, infrastructure, traditional medicine, and telemedicine. They also discussed mutual recognition of Indian pharmacopoeia and standardization cooperation. Additional Secretary Shri Ajay Bhadoo highlighted the importance of collaboration in e-commerce, MSME development, solar energy, and rural electrification.

The meeting was co-chaired by officials from both nations, with Uganda’s delegation including top diplomats. The Ugandan delegation also visited Noida SEZ to study India’s industrial and export ecosystem. The session fostered a friendly and cooperative environment, reinforcing strong bilateral ties.

India-Uganda Trade Talks Resume After 23 Years, Focus on Key Sectors & Investment Boost

After a long gap of 23 years, India and Uganda came together in New Delhi on March 25–26, 2025, for the third session of their Joint Trade Committee (JTC). This meeting marked a fresh start for both nations to rebuild trade and economic partnerships. The discussions focused on expanding collaboration, with both sides agreeing that current trade levels fall short of their true potential.

Key Goals: Expanding Trade and Strengthening Business Ties

During the talks, officials from India and Uganda reviewed their existing trade relationship. They acknowledged that the current trade volume does not align with the vast opportunities available, given the strengths of both economies. To bridge this gap, they pledged to diversify trade and explore new sectors. A major step forward was the proposal to create an India-Uganda Joint Business Forum, a platform aimed at connecting business leaders from both countries, fostering partnerships, and boosting investments.

Focus Areas for Collaboration

The two nations identified several key sectors to enhance cooperation. Uganda’s rich resources in minerals, coffee, cocoa, and spices were highlighted as areas where India could increase imports or invest in value-added processing. Likewise, India’s expertise in agriculture, healthcare, and technology could benefit Uganda. Discussions also covered specific industries such as mining, banking, digital infrastructure, electric vehicles, and rare earth minerals. Both sides emphasized the need to support small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), recognizing their critical role in job creation and economic growth.

Strengthening Institutional Ties

To facilitate smooth business operations, India and Uganda agreed to enhance collaboration between their investment promotion agencies. This would help streamline processes for businesses looking to expand into either country. They also explored signing memorandums of understanding (MoUs) in sectors such as public infrastructure, agriculture, traditional medicine, and telemedicine. These agreements would formalize partnerships, making it easier to exchange expertise and resources.

Another key discussion revolved around aligning trade and product standards. India proposed the mutual recognition of its pharmacopoeia (a set of medical standards), which would simplify the export of Indian medicines to Uganda. The two nations also agreed to cooperate on setting common product and trade regulations, ensuring smoother cross-border transactions.

Leaders Highlight Opportunities

At the inaugural session, Shri Ajay Bhadoo, Additional Secretary of India’s Department of Commerce, stressed the importance of strengthening ties. He highlighted e-commerce, pharmaceuticals, solar energy, and rural electrification as areas where India’s experience could support Uganda’s development goals. He also pointed to India’s success in empowering MSMEs and suggested that Uganda could adopt similar models.

The meeting was co-chaired by Ms. Priya P. Nair, Economic Adviser from India’s Department of Commerce, and Ambassador Elly Kamahungye Kafeero of Uganda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Uganda’s delegation included Ambassador Prof. Joyce Kikafunda Kakuramatsi and officials from trade, agriculture, health, and energy ministries, reflecting the wide scope of collaboration.

Learning from India’s Industrial Success

As part of their visit, the Ugandan delegation toured the Noida Special Economic Zone (SEZ), a hub for industrial and export activities. The tour provided valuable insights into India’s strategies for boosting manufacturing and exports, offering ideas that Uganda could adopt to strengthen its own industries.

A Positive Path Forward

The discussions took place in a warm and cooperative atmosphere, with both sides expressing optimism about future collaboration. By reopening dialogue after more than two decades, India and Uganda have taken a crucial step toward unlocking mutual economic benefits. The proposed Joint Business Forum and sector-specific partnerships could transform trade relations, creating new opportunities for businesses and communities in both countries.

As a next step, teams from both nations will work on finalizing the MoUs and setting up the Business Forum. If implemented effectively, these efforts could not only boost trade but also strengthen diplomatic ties, paving the way for a long-term partnership.

In Summary

• Revived Dialogue: The JTC meeting resumed after 23 years, signaling renewed commitment.
• Trade Expansion: Both nations aim to diversify trade beyond current levels.
• Sector Focus: Minerals, agriculture, healthcare, technology, and MSMEs are priority areas.
• New Partnerships: Plans for a Joint Business Forum and multiple MoUs are underway.
• Shared Learning: Uganda’s visit to Noida SEZ highlights practical collaboration.

This renewed engagement between India and Uganda presents a strong opportunity for shared economic growth, leveraging each other’s strengths to build a prosperous future.