India-Mali Forum for Export Promotion and Trade Relations

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India and Mali held their first export promotion forum in **Bamako** to strengthen their commercial partnership.
The theme for this landmark meeting was **"Reinforcing Trade and Strategic Partnerships"**.
This event marks a major step forward in India's economic relations with West Africa.

Trade between India and Mali grew by **55% year-on-year**, reaching **USD 326.61 million** in **FY 2025-26**.
India's **Duty-Free Tariff Preference (DFTP) Scheme** acted as the key driver for this rapid expansion.
Mali exports around **USD 4 billion** worth of goods globally every year.
Analysts estimate that Malian goods have an untapped potential of nearly **USD 3.96 billion** in the Indian market.

Mali mainly exports raw cotton, finished leather, cashews, lead, gum arabic, and sesame to India.
India primarily sends pharmaceuticals, cotton fabrics, two-wheelers, three-wheelers, and bicycles to Mali.
Both countries identified textiles, mining, energy, and agro-processing as key areas for joint investments.
They also decided to collaborate in healthcare and education infrastructure.

Mali requested Indian assistance to digitize its **Certificate of Origin system** and speed up medicine approvals.
India asked Mali to review its ban on shea-nut exports and protect Indian citizens and assets.
Mali promoted itself as a regional business center under its **Vision Mali 2063** strategic plan.
Mali announced an **Investment Forum** in **December 2026** to invite global funding for bankable projects.

**Mali** is a landlocked nation in West Africa located within the **Sahara** and **Sahel** regions.
It shares land borders with seven nations including **Algeria**, **Niger**, **Burkina Faso**, **Côte d'Ivoire**, **Guinea**, **Senegal**, and **Mauritania**.
**Bamako** serves as the national capital, while the **Niger River** flowing over **1,600 km** forms the lifeline of the country.
The **Sénégal River** is formed by the confluence of the **Bakoye** and **Bafing** rivers at **Bafoulabé**.
Mali's highest peak is **Mount Hombori** at **1,155 meters**, located near the **Dogon Plateau** and **Bandiagara Escarpment**.
Northern Mali features the **Iforas Massif**, a rugged sandstone plateau connected to the Saharan mountain system.
The economy relies heavily on agriculture, with **gold** being its primary export along with cotton, livestock, and fishing.
Historical cities like **Timbuktu** and **Djenné** were major centers of ancient trade and learning across the Saharan desert.