India and Uganda Strengthen Ties at 3rd Joint Trade Committee Meeting

The Third Session of the India-Uganda Joint Trade Committee (JTC) was held in New Delhi on March 25-26, 2025, marking a renewed commitment to strengthening economic relations between the two nations after a 23-year hiatus, according to an official press release from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

Both parties acknowledged that the current trade volume does not fully reflect the potential of their partnership and vowed to implement targeted measures to expand and diversify bilateral trade. They also discussed the creation of an India-Uganda Joint Business Forum to foster greater interaction between industry leaders from both countries.

The discussions identified key sectors to boost trade and investment, including minerals, coffee, cocoa products, pulses, spices.

Key sectors identified for boosting trade and investment included minerals, coffee, cocoa products, pulses, spices, dairy products, essential oils, plastic raw materials, fruits, vegetables, and residual chemicals. Furthermore, cooperation in mining, banking, digital infrastructure, MSME development, health, pharmaceuticals, electric vehicles, critical minerals—including Rare Earth Elements (REE)—and petrochemicals was emphasized as a priority.

The two countries agreed to explore the possibility of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) concerning the recognition of the Indian Pharmacopoeia and collaboration in Public Works and Infrastructure, Agriculture, Traditional Medicine, Telemedicine, and related sectors. Strengthening efforts in standardization and investment promotion was also discussed.

Ajay Bhadoo, Additional Secretary at the Department of Commerce, addressed the inaugural session, highlighting India's strong economic relationship with Uganda. He stressed the growing partnership in trade and investment, underlining the significance of collaboration in sectors such as e-commerce, MSME cluster development, pharmaceuticals, solar energy, and rural electrification.

The JTC meeting was co-chaired by Priya P. Nair, Economic Adviser at the Department of Commerce, from India, and Ambassador Elly Kamahungye Kafeero, Head of the International Political Cooperation Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uganda. Ambassador Joyce Kikafunda Kakuramatsi, Head of Mission at the Uganda High Commission in New Delhi, accompanied a 28-member Ugandan delegation, including officials from various ministries and Uganda's diplomatic mission in India.

The discussions were held in a cordial and constructive atmosphere, with both sides expressing keen interest in further enhancing trade and investment ties.

During the visit, the Ugandan delegation also toured the Noida Special Economic Zone (SEZ) to gain insights into India's industrial and export ecosystem, the press release noted.

The deliberations at the Third Session of the India-Uganda JTC were forward-looking and reflective of the growing and robust economic partnership between the two countries.

(This Article was originally published by Business Standard)