India and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) have maintained diplomatic relations since 1973, with Indian Embassies resident in Pyongyang (though vacated in 2020-21 due to Covid-19 restrictions). Relations have been significantly constrained since 2017 when the UN Security Council adopted stringent sanctions on DPRK over its nuclear and missile programmes. India has consistently called for denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula through dialogue.
COOPERATION AREAS
Where India and North Korea (DPRK) actually work together
4 active areas of cooperation, as of July 2026. Click any card for the full brief.
TRADE & INVESTMENT
By the numbers
Trade is effectively nil under UN Security Council sanctions compliance since 2017. Pre-sanctions bilateral trade was approximately USD 100 million. Source: MEA Bilateral Brief.
~$0
Total bilateral trade in goods
~$0
India exports to country
~$0
India imports from country
Trade trajectory · USD bn
$0bnin 2023 · click a bar to compare years
TOP TRADED ITEMS
AGREEMENTS & MILESTONES
The relationship since 1953, in 6 dates
CURRENT STATE
Where things stand, 2026
India-DPRK relations are at their lowest operational point in decades. The Embassy in Pyongyang is effectively non-resident. Trade is nil under UN sanctions compliance. DPRK's continued nuclear and missile programme means the relationship remains frozen until there is progress on denuclearisation or a fundamental shift in the geopolitical situation. India maintains its principled position of calling for dialogue.
SIGNALS TO WATCH
On track / positive momentum
In progress / worth watching
Stalled or facing headwinds
Not yet started / unclear
QUICK FACTS
CapitalPyongyang
Population26 million
RegionEast Asia
Diplomatic tiesSince 1973
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