Notably, all these seven countries, in recent years, have seen growing ties with China, India’s closest geopolitical rival.

We take a look.

Bangladesh, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina
Export-import: $11,061 million-$1,845 million

India and Bangladesh have deep historical ties rooted in India’s role in Bangladesh’s liberation. Today, they share a robust trade relationship, which amounted to $12,906 million in the 2023-24 financial year, with India exporting machinery and textile, while Bangladesh exports garments and fish. The country has consistently been among the top five to ten export destinations for India. Culturally, too, Bangladesh and India share close bonds with frequent cultural exchanges and educational collaborations taking place.

Bangladesh, specifically Sheikh Hasina’s dispensation, has been crucial for India’s national security by clamping down on militants and separatist groups who used to seek shelter there. Currently, India and Bangladesh are still working towards improving connectivity, and a comprehensive water-sharing agreement.

Sri Lanka, President Ranil Wickremesinghe
Export-import: $4,118 million -$1,424 million

Ties between the people of India and Sri Lanka can be traced back to ancient times. In 2023-24, their bilateral trade was valued at $5,542 million, with significant Indian exports of petroleum and automobiles. During the Civil War in Sri Lanka, India (unsuccessfully) sent a peacekeeping force to the country between 1987-90, to disarm various militant groups — it was both overtly and covertly involved in the conflict. Both India and Sri Lanka share deep religious and cultural ties, especially between the minority Sri Lankan Tamils ​​and the Tamils ​​of India. Future discussions between the two countries are expected to focus on enhancing maritime security cooperation, settle maritime disputes, and strengthen economic cooperation.

Nepal, Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal alias ‘Prachanda’
Export-import $7,041 million-$830 million

India and Nepal share an open-border relationship, reflecting their deep historical and cultural ties. In 2023-24, bilateral trade amounted to $7,871 million, dominated by Indian exports of petroleum products and machinery. The two countries also share deep cultural and religious ties, with a thriving tourism industry (especially religious tourism) between the two countries. Energy and water-sharing disputes have in the past been a sticking point.

Maldives, President Mohammad Muizzu
Export-import: $892 million-$87 million

Over the years, India and the Maldives have maintained close ties. Most notably, India helped prevent a coup in Maldives in 1988. The Indian Armed Forces continued to have a modest presence in the archipelago, until President Muizzu came in on an “India Out” platform. Relationships have since soured, but Muizzu’s presence in New Delhi indicates a possible thaw. In 2023-24, trade between the two nations reached $979 million, primarily involving marine products and construction materials. Many students from Maldives come to India for further studies. Apart from improving strained ties, upcoming discussions will likely be centered around issues such as climate change and sustainable development.

Seychelles, Vice President Ahmed Afif
Export-import: $76 million-$9 million

India and Seychelles share a strategic relationship, particularly in maritime security and environmental cooperation. Located north of Madagascar, Seychelles is among the most strategically important archipelagos in the Indian Ocean. Trade between the two countries was valued at $85 million in 2023-24, with a focus on fisheries and tourism. Both nations have, in the past, engaged in joint heritage conservation projects. Future dialogues will aim to bolster environmental protection agreements, crucial for addressing climate change whose impacts will be disastrous for the island country.

Bhutan, King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck
Export-import: $964 million – $339 million

India and Bhutan are, what one can call, all weather friends with significant economic and cultural exchanges. In 2023-24, bilateral trade was $1.3 billion, with India being a major partner in Bhutan’s hydroelectric power sector. Cultural ties are reinforced through educational exchanges and collaborative efforts in preserving Bhutanese heritage. Future discussions will likely focus on expanding economic cooperation through new trade agreements.

Mauritius, President Prithvirajsing Roopun
Export-import: $778 million-$74 million

India and Mauritius enjoy close relations, underpinned by strong cultural and economic ties. Bilateral trade in 2023-24 was valued at $ 852 million, with key exports from Mauritius including textiles and sugar. Culturally, the countries are connected by a significant Indian diaspora in Mauritius, which is celebrated through regular cultural events and exchanges. Future talks will focus on enhancing strategic partnership in sectors like digital technology and the blue economy (economic activity associated with the sea).

The author is currently interning at The Indian Express.

Data on bilateral trade is from the Ministry of Commerce.