The Third Session of the India-Uganda Joint Trade Committee (JTC) was held in New Delhi on 25th-26th March 2025. The session marked a significant step in strengthening India-Uganda trade relations after a gap of 23 years. Both sides reviewed the bilateral trade and agreed that the current trade volume does not reflect the full potential of economic collaboration. They resolved to take concerted efforts to enhance, deepen, and diversify bilateral trade. Discussions were also held on the formation of an India-Uganda Joint Business Forum to facilitate increased engagement between industry leaders from both nations.
Key areas identified for enhancing cooperation included minerals, coffee, cocoa products, pulses, residual chemical and allied products, spices, dairy products, essential oils, plastic raw materials, fruits, and vegetables, as well as mining, banking, digital infrastructure, agriculture, MSME growth, health, pharmaceuticals, electric vehicles, and critical minerals, including Rare Earth Elements (REE) and petrochemicals. Both sides also agreed to strengthen collaboration between their respective investment promotion agencies. Additionally, both sides agreed to explore Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) for the recognition of Indian Pharmacopoeia and cooperation in Public Works and Infrastructure Development, Agriculture and Allied sectors, Traditional Medicine, Tele-medicine, and strengthening collaboration in Standardization.
Additional Secretary, Department of Commerce, Shri Ajay Bhadoo addressed the inaugural session and emphasized the strong bilateral ties between India and Uganda. He highlighted the growing trade and investment partnership and underscored the importance of collaboration in key sectors such as e-commerce, pharmaceuticals, MSME cluster development, solar energy, and rural electrification.
The JTC was co-chaired by Economic Adviser, Department of Commerce of Ms. Priya P. Nair, from the Indian side, Head of International Political Cooperation Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Uganda, Amb. Elly Kamahungye Kafeero, He was accompanied by Amb. Prof. Joyce Kikafunda Kakuramatsi, Head of Mission, Uganda High Commission, New Delhi, along with a 28-member Ugandan delegation comprising officials from various ministries and Uganda’s Mission in India. The discussions were held in a cordial and cooperative atmosphere, with both sides expressing enthusiasm for expanding trade and investment.
On the sidelines of the JTC, the Ugandan delegation visited the Noida SEZ to gain insights into India’s industrial and export ecosystem. The deliberations at the 3rd Session of the India-Uganda JTC were forward-looking and indicative of the strong and amicable relations between the two nations.
