India, Tajikistan Explore Expansion In Pharma, Agriculture & Services Trade

New Delhi, Jun 11 (KNN) India and Tajikistan held the 12th Meeting of their Joint Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation on Wednesday, reviewing bilateral trade performance and identifying key sectors for deeper engagement. 

The meeting was co-chaired by Mohit Yadav, Joint Secretary, Department of Commerce, India, and Nuriddinzoda Ahliddin Nuriddin, Deputy Minister of Economic Development and Trade, Tajikistan.

Trade Growing, Led by Pharmaceuticals

India's merchandise exports to Tajikistan reached USD 58.12 million in FY2025–26, a rise of 27.23 per cent over the previous year. 

Drug formulations and biologicals were the leading export category, followed by pulses, industrial machinery for dairy and related sectors, medical and scientific instruments, tea, Ayush and herbal products, and refrigeration machinery.

Pharmaceuticals and healthcare were identified as a major area of future cooperation. The Indian side highlighted the quality, affordability, and reliability of Indian medicines, and both sides agreed to work towards faster drug registration processes, deeper regulatory dialogue, and stronger business-to-business linkages in the sector. 

Expanding Tajikistan's procurement of Indian medicines was discussed as a means of improving access to affordable healthcare for its population.

Agriculture and Food Products

Agriculture, food products, and food safety were flagged as promising areas for expanded trade. Discussions covered opportunities in rice, sugar, processed foods, meat products, pulses, agricultural inputs, food processing, agri-technology, and related standards. India expressed readiness to work with Tajikistan to grow agricultural exports in a manner supportive of food security and mutually beneficial trade.

Services Trade and Digital Economy

India's services exports to Tajikistan stood at USD 123.89 million in 2024, against Tajikistan's services exports to India of USD 37.56 million. 

Both sides agreed to explore expanded cooperation in information technology, digital services, healthcare, education, tourism, professional services, startups, innovation, and skill development.

The Joint Commission also discussed potential cooperation in energy, hydropower, renewable energy, mining and critical minerals, textiles, logistics, banking, and finance.

(KNN Bureau)