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, presided over by Prime Minister H.E. Major General Abdoulaye Maïga, was 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 around 30 Indian business leaders, with the Indian delegation led by Joint Secretary (FT-Africa), Department of Commerce, Government of India, Shri Amit Kumar. The Mission was represented throughout by H.E. Dr. N. Nandakumar, Ambassador of India to Mali.
India and Mali have witnessed robust growth in bilateral trade, which surpassed ₹2,700+ crore (US$326.61 million) in FY 2025-26, registering a 55% increase over the previous financial year. Following the inaugural session and visits to Indian and Malian exhibition stands featuring Sonalika tractors and vehicles manufactured by Mahindra and Tata Motors, delegations participated in intensive Business-to-Business (B2B), Business-to-Government (B2G) and Government-to-Government (G2G) matchmaking meetings. The discussions covered renewable energy, pharmaceuticals, textiles, automotive manufacturing and mining, with the objective of converting business opportunities into commercial partnerships and Memorandums of Understanding. As part of the forum, companies from both countries showcased their products and capabilities, with Indian manufacturers displaying agricultural machinery and automobiles, including tractors and commercial vehicles.
As reported by Business Standard, Mali's principal exports to India include raw cotton, finished leather, cashew, lead, gum arabic and sesame. Conversely, India's major exports comprise pharmaceuticals, cotton fabrics, two- and three-wheelers and bicycles. The report indicates that 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, signalling substantial room for growth in bilateral trade relations. India's Duty-Free Tariff Preference (DFTP) Scheme has been the primary catalyst in strengthening bilateral trade between the two countries, facilitating greater market access for Malian products. The Mali government acknowledged that India's DFTP Scheme has played an important role in boosting trade, allowing Malian goods preferential access to the world's largest consumer markets.
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 digitising its Certificate of Origin system and 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. During meetings with Mali's Minister of Industry and Trade, Moussa Alassane Diallo, the Indian delegation reviewed a pipeline of investment opportunities presented by APEX-Mali through 'Ready-Made Business Plans' designed to facilitate faster project implementation. The Indian delegation also held discussions with Mali's Prime Minister on expanding economic cooperation, with particular focus on Mali's natural resources and companies collaboration in mining infrastructure and renewable energy deployment.
The inaugural forum is expected to provide a structured platform for sustained government and business engagement, helping both countries unlock new trade opportunities and diversify their economic partnership in the years ahead. Mali reaffirmed its commitment to securing the business environment and positioning itself as a strategic investment hub for West Africa under its Vision Mali 2030 Roadmap by collaborating with India. As a concrete next step, Mali announced a dedicated investment forum to be held on 3-4 December 2026, at which additional bankable projects will be made available to international investors. The forum concluded with both governments reaffirming their commitment to building a long-term economic partnership anchored in trade, investment and industrial cooperation, with officials exploring opportunities for joint ventures, technology transfer and greater participation of Indian companies in Mali's industrial development. The forum aligns with Mali's long-term economic goal under its Vision Mali 2030 Roadmap by collaborating with India, with the first India-Mali bilateral business meet functioning as an example of mutually beneficial South-South cooperation.
