The inaugural India‑Mali Forum for Promotion of Exports was held in Bamako on 2‑3 December 2026. The two‑day event, themed “Reinforcing Trade and Strategic Partnerships”, marked a fresh push to deepen economic ties after bilateral trade surged to **US$326.61 million** in FY 2025‑26, a **55 percent** rise over the previous year.
Key Developments
- Forum chaired by H.E. Major General Abdoulaye Maïga, Prime Minister of Mali’s Transition Government.
- Indian delegation led by Joint Secretary (FT‑Africa) Shri Amit Kumar and Ambassador Dr. N. Nandakumar.
- 30 Indian business leaders participated; sectors showcased included tractors (Sonalika) and vehicles (Mahindra, Tata Motors).
- Intensive B2B/B2G/G2G sessions focused on renewable energy, pharmaceuticals, textiles, automotive manufacturing and mining.
- Mali announced a dedicated investment forum for **3‑4 December 2026** to present bankable projects to global investors.
Important Facts
Mali’s main exports to India are raw cotton, finished leather, cashew, lead, gum arabic and sesame. India’s key exports to Mali include pharmaceuticals, cotton fabrics, two‑ and three‑wheelers and bicycles. The growth has been driven largely by India’s DFTP scheme.
Against Mali’s total exports of about **US$4 billion**, the untapped potential for Indian markets is estimated at **US$3.96 billion**, indicating vast room for expansion.
Priority sectors identified for deeper cooperation are cotton & textiles, mining & energy, agro‑industry & shea processing, pharmaceuticals, and social infrastructure such as health and education. Mali seeks Indian assistance to digitise its Certificate of Origin system and to fast‑track registration of approved Indian pharmaceutical products.
India, in turn, requested Mali to reconsider the