After a 23-year break, the India-Uganda Joint Trade Committee (JTC) convened its Third Session in New Delhi on March 25–26, 2025, marking a major step towards improving commercial ties between the two nations. According to a press release from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the meeting emphasised both countries’ commitment to diversifying and growing their bilateral commerce, which at the moment does not fully reflect their potential.
Minerals, coffee, cocoa products, lentils, spices, dairy products, essential oils, plastic raw materials, fruits, vegetables, and residual chemical products were among the important industries that were recognised during the negotiations as having the potential to increase trade and investment. Additionally, priority was given to collaboration in sectors such petrochemicals, key minerals, especially Rare Earth Elements (REE), health care, pharmaceuticals, digital infrastructure, MSME development, mining, banking, and electric vehicles.
In order to improve cooperation in a number of areas, India and Uganda decided to investigate different Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs). These include collaborations in traditional medicine, telemedicine, agriculture and related fields, public works and infrastructure, and the acceptance of the Indian Pharmacopoeia. One of the main topics of discussion was strengthening linkages in standardisation and investment promotion.
In his speech at the first session, Additional Secretary Ajay Bhadoo of India’s Department of Commerce highlighted the close economic links between Uganda and India. He emphasised the significance of cooperation in industries like e-commerce, MSME cluster development, pharmaceuticals, solar energy, and rural electrification, as well as the expanding trade and investment partnerships.
India’s Priya P. Nair and Uganda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Elly Kamahungye Kafeero co-chaired the JTC meeting. Twenty-eight members of the Ugandan delegation represented the country’s diplomatic mission in India as well as many ministries. Both parties expressed a great desire to strengthen their trade and investment relations during the friendly discussions.
As part of their visit to India, the Ugandan delegation also toured the Noida Special Economic Zone (SEZ) to gain insights into India’s industrial and export ecosystem. The JTC’s discussions during this session were viewed as progressive and suggestive of a strong and expanding economic alliance between Uganda and India.
