India and Mali Hold Inaugural Trade Forum to Deepen Bilateral Economic Cooperation
India and Mali have institutionalized their growing commercial partnership through the inaugural India-Mali Forum for the Promotion of Exports, held in Bamako under the theme "Reinforcing Trade and Strategic Partnerships". The two-day forum was presided over by the Prime Minister of the Transition Government of Mali, H.E. Major General Abdoulaye Maïga, and jointly organized by the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Mali, the Embassy of India in Bamako, and the Malian Agency for the Promotion of Exports (APEX-Mali).
The forum brought together senior officials from both governments and approximately 30 Indian business leaders. The Indian delegation was led by Joint Secretary (FT-Africa) of the Department of Commerce, Government of India, Shri Amit Kumar, with representation throughout by H.E. Dr. N. Nandakumar, Ambassador of India to Mali.
Bilateral trade between India and Mali reached US$326.61 million in FY 2025–26, representing a 55% increase over the previous financial year. Mali's principal exports to India include raw cotton, finished leather, cashew, lead, gum arabic, and sesame, while India's major exports comprise pharmaceuticals, cotton fabrics, two- and three-wheelers, and bicycles. India's Duty-Free Tariff Preference (DFTP) Scheme has been the primary catalyst in strengthening bilateral trade. Against Mali's global exports of approximately US$4 billion, untapped export potential in the Indian market is estimated at nearly US$3.96 billion, indicating substantial room for growth.
The forum included visits to Indian and Malian exhibition stands featuring Sonalika tractors and vehicles manufactured by Mahindra and Tata Motors, followed by intensive Business-to-Business (B2B), Business-to-Government (B2G), and Government-to-Government (G2G) matchmaking meetings. Discussions covered renewable energy, pharmaceuticals, textiles, automotive manufacturing, and mining, with the objective of converting business opportunities into commercial partnerships and Memorandums of Understanding.
On the second day, the Indian delegation met with the Minister of Industry and Trade of Mali, Mr. Moussa Alassane Diallo. APEX-Mali presented "Ready-Made Business Plans" for immediate investment opportunities, and the delegation later called on the Prime Minister of the Transition Government of Mali.
Both sides identified cotton and textiles, mining and energy, agro-industry and shea processing, pharmaceuticals, and social infrastructure including health and education as priority sectors for expanding bilateral cooperation. Mali expressed strong interest in India's support for digitizing its Certificate of Origin system and in the prompt registration of approved Indian pharmaceutical products. The Indian side sought reconsideration of the shea-nut export ban and reaffirmed the importance of protecting Indian nationals and investments.
The forum concluded with Mali reaffirming its commitment to securing the business environment and positioning itself as a strategic investment hub for West Africa under its Vision Mali 2063 roadmap. As a concrete next step, Mali announced a dedicated investment forum to be held on 3–4 December 2026, where additional bankable projects will be made available to international investors.