India and Tajikistan agree to deepen trade, investment, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, services, energy, connectivity and capacity-building cooperation

India offers to work with Tajikistan for expanding procurement of high-quality and affordable Indian pharmaceutical products

Commerce Secretary, Government of India, Shri Rajesh Agrawal, delivered the opening remarks at the 12th Meeting of the India-Tajikistan Joint Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation, held today through video conference. He noted that the Joint Commission was meeting at a time when the global trade, supply-chain and technology landscape had changed significantly, and underlined the need for India and Tajikistan to convert political goodwill and historical friendship into stronger economic outcomes through greater focus on trade, investment, market access, regulatory cooperation and business engagement.

The meeting was co-chaired by Shri Mohit Yadav, Joint Secretary, Department of Commerce, Government of India, and H.E. Mr. Nuriddinzoda Ahliddin Nuriddin, Deputy Minister of Economic Development and Trade of the Republic of Tajikistan. Senior officials and representatives from relevant ministries, departments and agencies of both countries participated in the meeting.

The meeting was held in a warm and constructive atmosphere, reflecting the long-standing friendship, civilizational bonds and mutual trust between India and Tajikistan. Both sides reviewed the progress made since the 11th Session of the Joint Commission and exchanged views on further strengthening bilateral economic engagement.

The Indian side further noted India’s strong economic growth and export achievements during the last 12 years under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. The Indian side also highlighted India’s strong economic momentum. India recorded GDP growth of 7.7 percent in FY 2025-26 and 7.8 percent in Q4 of FY 2025-26, reflecting the strength of reforms, enterprise and public effort. India’s total exports during FY 2025-26 were estimated at US$ 863 billion, including merchandise exports of USD 442 billion and services exports of US$ 421 billion.

The Indian side noted the positive momentum in bilateral merchandise trade. India’s exports to Tajikistan are estimated at US$ 58.12 million in 2025-26, rising 27.23% compared to previous year. Drug formulations and biologicals was the major product of India’s exports to Tajikistan during this period, followed by pulses, industrial machinery for dairy and related sectors, medical and scientific instruments, tea, Ayush and herbal products, and refrigeration machinery. This reflects rising opportunities for farmers, Indian MSMEs and businesses.

Both sides reviewed regulatory and market access issues affecting bilateral trade and agreed to strengthen coordination between competent authorities, trade bodies and business chambers. They emphasized the need for regular interaction to address operational concerns faced by exporters and importers, facilitate smoother trade and create favourable conditions for new business projects.

Pharmaceuticals and healthcare were identified as a major area of cooperation. The Indian side highlighted that Indian pharmaceutical products combine quality, affordability and reliability. It was noted that expanding procurement of Indian medicines by Tajikistan can benefit its people through access to high-quality medicines at affordable prices. Both sides agreed to work towards deeper regulatory dialogue, faster registration processes, closer engagement between competent authorities and stronger business-to-business linkages in the pharmaceutical sector.

Agriculture, food products and food safety were discussed as promising areas of cooperation. The two sides reviewed opportunities in rice, sugar, processed foods, meat products, pulses, agricultural inputs, food processing, agri-technology and related standards. India conveyed its readiness to work with Tajikistan to expand agricultural exports in a manner that supports food security, consumer choice and mutually beneficial trade.

Services trade was identified as an important pillar of the bilateral economic relationship. India’s services exports to Tajikistan stood at USD 123.89 million in 2024, while Tajikistan’s services exports to India stood at USD 37.56 million. Both sides agreed to explore expanded cooperation in IT, digital services, healthcare, education, tourism, professional services, start-ups, innovation and skill development.

The Joint Commission also discussed cooperation in energy, hydropower, renewable energy, mining and critical minerals, science and technology, investment, textiles and leather, light industries, digital economy, innovation, tourism, transport, logistics, banking and finance. Both sides agreed that these sectors offer new opportunities for industrial and economic cooperation between India and Tajikistan.

Both sides would undertake discussions through video conference to resolve pending issues and carry forward the outcomes of the Joint Commission. They also agreed to encourage regular interaction between concerned government agencies, regulators, trade promotion bodies, business chambers and enterprises of both countries.

The meeting concluded with the signing of the Protocol of the 12th Session. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepening the partnership and strengthening industrial, trade and economic cooperation between India and Tajikistan.