India's view of the world · A factual referenceLast updated 12 May 2026 · Edition 04
COUNTRY RELATIONSHIP · DJIBOUTI
India & Djibouti
INDIAN OCEAN STRATEGYNAVAL COOPERATIONRED SEA ROUTEITEC PARTNERAFRICA OUTREACH
Djibouti occupies one of the world's most strategically vital geographic positions — at the mouth of the Red Sea, where the Bab-el-Mandeb strait funnels nearly 20% of global seaborne trade. India's relationship with Djibouti has grown substantially in strategic importance as India deepens its Indian Ocean engagement and as Red Sea security has become a pressing concern for global shipping. India has used Djibouti as a refuelling and logistics point for Indian Navy vessels, and bilateral ties have strengthened through ITEC training, development assistance, and the India-Africa Forum framework.
COOPERATION AREAS
Where India and Djibouti actually work together
4 active areas of cooperation, as of July 2026. Click any card for the full brief.
TRADE & INVESTMENT
By the numbers
Approximate figures; re-export and transit trade volumes are substantial but not captured in bilateral data. Source: DGFT, Ministry of Commerce.
~$120mn
Total bilateral trade in goods
~$100mn
India exports to country
~$20mn
India imports from country
Trade trajectory · USD bn
$0.12bnin 2024 · click a bar to compare years
TOP TRADED ITEMS
AGREEMENTS & MILESTONES
The relationship since 1977, in 6 dates
CURRENT STATE
Where things stand, 2026
Djibouti occupies an increasingly important place in India's Indian Ocean strategy. The Red Sea crisis since 2023 has underlined Djibouti's strategic value, and India has intensified its maritime engagement with the country. Trade is modest but growing. ITEC cooperation and India-Africa Forum engagement provide the development dimension of a relationship primarily shaped by strategic geography.
SIGNALS TO WATCH
On track / positive momentum
In progress / worth watching
Stalled or facing headwinds
Not yet started / unclear
QUICK FACTS
CapitalDjibouti City
Population1 million
RegionAfrica
Diplomatic tiesSince 1977
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