India is one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, and because of that, it has a strong need for imported goods from other countries. With a population of over 1.4 billion people and a fast-changing industrial landscape, India depends heavily on imports to supply its consumers and manufacturing industries. Whether it is basic crude oil or the latest in electronics, India’s import basket reflects its development goals and lifestyle needs. At the same time, however, India is also a large exporter, providing many countries in the world with vital goods such as pharmaceuticals, textiles, and agricultural products, which highlights just how dependent other nations are on India’s production capability.

What India imports the most is more than just a trade statistic, it is a window into the engine of its economy. Knowing the high-demand import products in India can support better decisions and open new opportunities for businesses, policymakers, and investors.

In this blog, we’ll look at the top 10 products India imports the most, supported by the latest trade data. Let’s start our journey.

A Quick Look at India’s Imports

India’s total merchandise imports for FY 2024–25 were USD 720.24 billion, which marked an upward jump from USD 678.21 billion in the preceding fiscal year. This increase is a result of both rising demands in the industrial sector and regular consumption requirements.

Crude petroleum is the pivot of India’s import landscape, taking up almost 20% of total imports. Next in line are gold, electronic parts, machinery, and industrial chemicals, all vital to consumer markets and manufacturing.

China tops the list in terms of trading partners, contributing over 13% of all the imports that India receives. The UAE has also gained momentum, particularly in petroleum exports, followed closely by the USA, Saudi Arabia, and Russia, all of which play an integral part in fuel, tech, and defense goods.

Comprehensively, India is a transitioning economy that is somewhat dependent on imports but is actively looking to raise the bar for industrial growth and strengthen the robustness of its supply chain.

Top 10 Most Imported Products in India (2025)

By the year 2025, the Indian import basket is saturated with essential commodities and high-demand goods that serve industries, energize homes, and satisfy many daily needs.

1) Petroleum Fuels and Oils

• Import Value and Share: Approximately US$220.6 billion, accounting for 31.4% of total imports.

• Primary Sources: Russia, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.

• Usage in India: Important in energy production, transportation, and industrial activities.

2) Electrical Machinery and Equipment

• Import Value and Share: Around US$84.9 billion, representing 12.1% of total imports.

• Key Components Imported: Integrated circuits, smartphones, solar panels, and other electronic devices.

• Major Exporting Countries: China, Vietnam, and South Korea.

3) Gems and Precious Metals

• Import Value and Share: Approximately US$83.3 billion, making up 11.9% of total imports.

• Cultural and Economic Significance: Vital for India’s jewelry industry and cultural practices, especially during festivals and weddings.

• Primary Sources: Switzerland, the United Arab Emirates, and South Africa.

4) Machinery Including Computers

• Import Value and Share: About US$61.6 billion, accounting for 8.8% of total imports.

• Types of Machinery Imported: Industrial machines, agricultural equipment, and IT hardware.

• Leading Exporters: Germany, the United States, and Japan.

5) Organic Chemicals

• Import Value and Share: Approximately US$26 billion, representing 3.7% of total imports.

• Applications in India: Used extensively in the pharmaceutical, agricultural, and manufacturing sectors.

• Top Exporting Countries: China, the United States, and Singapore.

6) Plastics and Plastic Articles

• Import Value and Share: Around US$21.9 billion, making up 3.1% of total imports.

• Types of Plastics Imported: Polyethylene, PVC, and other polymers.

• Usage in Indian Industries: Widely used in packaging, construction, and consumer goods.

• Major Exporters: China, Germany, and the United States.

7) Iron and Steel

• Import Value and Share: Approximately US$17.7 billion, accounting for 2.5% of total imports.

• Demand Drivers: Essential for infrastructure development and the automotive industry.

• Primary Sources: South Korea, China, and Japan.

8) Animal and Vegetable Fats & Oils

• Import Value and Share: Around US$17 billion, representing 2.4% of total imports.

• Types of Oils Imported: Palm oil, soybean oil, and sunflower oil.

• Usage in India: Crucial for the food industry and household consumption.

• Leading Exporters: Indonesia, Malaysia, and Ukraine.

9) Optical, Technical, and Medical Apparatus

• Import Value and Share: Approximately US$13.7 billion, making up 1.9% of total imports.

• Types of Equipment Imported: Diagnostic tools, surgical instruments, and laboratory devices.

• Applications in India: Used extensively in healthcare and research sectors.

• Top Exporting Countries: Germany, the United States, and Japan.

10) Aircraft and Spacecraft

• Import Value and Share: Around US$12.6 billion, accounting for 1.8% of total imports.

• Importance for India: Supports the country’s defense and aviation sectors, contributing to technological advancements.

• Major Exporters: The United States, France, and Russia.

Top Countries from Which India Imports the Most (2025)

In 2025, the picture of India’s imports is shaped by the various realities of the country’s trading relationships with several nations that supply its most important imports. The following table illustrates the top 10 countries from which India imports goods, along with the respective import values:

Rank	Top Countries India Imports From	India Import Value (Approx.)
1	China	$121 billion
2	Russia	$67 billion
3	United States	$42 billion
4	United Arab Emirates	$37 billion
5	Saudi Arabia	$34 billion
6	Iraq	$29 billion
7	Indonesia	$24 billion
8	South Korea	$19.6 billion
9	Japan	$18.7 billion
10	Switzerland	$18.5 billion

Conclusion

India’s import market is increasing in both size and complexity, opening new opportunities for businesses across various sectors. For importers operating in this ever-changing environment, access to reliable trade data is not just helpful, it is essential. Whether you are monitoring high-demand products or searching for new suppliers, having accurate, real-time reports makes all the difference.

Dataverseeinc is a global import-export data provider. Our platform offers specific Indian import/export data tailored to your needs, helping both experienced importers and new businesses discover fresh opportunities. If you want to understand how Indian import and export data can help you identify demand trends, find high-potential markets, and make smarter trade decisions, click here to contact our team for a live demo. They will show you exactly how to use our platform, explore individual trade records in depth, and turn raw data into real business opportunities customized for your goals.