India's view of the world · A factual referenceLast updated 12 May 2026 · Edition 04
COUNTRY RELATIONSHIP · MADAGASCAR
India & Madagascar
INDIAN OCEAN ISLANDKARANA DIASPORAINDIA-AFRICA FORUMITEC PARTNER
India and Madagascar share a long historical connection through the Indian Ocean, formalised into diplomatic relations in 1960 when Madagascar gained independence from France. The Karana community — approximately 20,000 Malagasy citizens of Indian (primarily Gujarati Muslim) origin — forms the most tangible people-to-people link. Madagascar's vanilla, cloves, and other agricultural exports, combined with India's pharmaceutical and development assistance, define the economic relationship. India regards Madagascar as an important Indian Ocean partner in the context of its growing maritime diplomacy.
COOPERATION AREAS
Where India and Madagascar actually work together
5 active areas of cooperation, as of July 2026. Click any card for the full brief.
TRADE & INVESTMENT
By the numbers
Approximate figures, FY 2023–24. Source: DGFT. India runs a trade surplus. Vanilla and cloves are Madagascar's most distinctive exports to India; pharmaceuticals and rice dominate Indian exports.
$152mn
Total bilateral trade in goods
$112mn
India exports to country
$40mn
India imports from country
Trade trajectory · USD bn
$0.152bnin FY24 · click a bar to compare years
TOP TRADED ITEMS
AGREEMENTS & MILESTONES
The relationship since 1960, in 6 dates
CURRENT STATE
Where things stand, 2026
The India-Madagascar relationship is warm, grounded in the Karana diaspora, vanilla and spice trade, and development partnership. IORA membership gives both countries a multilateral Indian Ocean framework. India's strategic interest in Madagascar has grown as its SAGAR doctrine emphasises Indian Ocean partnerships. Development cooperation through ITEC and the India-Africa Forum remains the most active bilateral channel.
SIGNALS TO WATCH
On track / positive momentum
In progress / worth watching
Stalled or facing headwinds
Not yet started / unclear
QUICK FACTS
CapitalAntananarivo
Population28 million
RegionAfrica
Diplomatic tiesSince 1960
Indian diaspora~20,000 (Karana community)
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