India's view of the world · A factual referenceLast updated 12 May 2026 · Edition 04
COUNTRY RELATIONSHIP · IRAQ
India & Iraq
MAJOR OIL SUPPLIERRECONSTRUCTION CONTRACTSINDIAN DIASPORAHISTORICAL TRADEENERGY SECURITY PRIORITY
Iraq is one of India's most critical energy partners, consistently ranking among India's top three or four crude oil suppliers and accounting for approximately $10–12 billion in annual energy imports. The bilateral relationship traces to 1948 and encompasses millennia of historical trade across the Arabian Sea. Beyond oil, India has significant reconstruction-sector engagement in post-conflict Iraq, a diaspora of approximately 40,000, and a sustained interest in the Basra refinery and petrochemical sector. Iraq's stability is a direct energy security concern for India.
COOPERATION AREAS
Where India and Iraq actually work together
5 active areas of cooperation, as of July 2026. Click any card for the full brief.
TRADE & INVESTMENT
By the numbers
FY2023-24 figures. Import figure dominated by crude oil. Source: DGFT, PPAC. Iraq consistently ranks as India's #2-4 crude oil supplier. India runs a very large trade deficit reflecting the energy import structure.
~$11.5bn
Total bilateral trade in goods
~$1.2bn
India exports to country
~$10.3bn
India imports from country
Trade trajectory · USD bn
$11.5bnin FY24 · click a bar to compare years
TOP TRADED ITEMS
AGREEMENTS & MILESTONES
The relationship since 1948, in 7 dates
CURRENT STATE
Where things stand, 2026
India-Iraq relations are at their highest strategic level following the 2024 Strategic Partnership Agreement and PM Modi's landmark Baghdad visit. Iraq remains India's largest or second-largest crude oil supplier, and the energy dependence gives the relationship irreplaceable strategic weight. Reconstruction sector engagement, diaspora welfare and religious pilgrimage (Arbaeen) provide additional dimensions. The primary risks are Iraqi political instability and the potential for oil supply disruption from internal or regional conflict.
SIGNALS TO WATCH
On track / positive momentum
In progress / worth watching
Stalled or facing headwinds
Not yet started / unclear
QUICK FACTS
CapitalBaghdad
Population43 million
RegionWest Asia
Diplomatic tiesSince 1948
Indian diaspora~40,000
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