India is a democratic country, and its economic position is strong, where investors and businesses from all over the world want to maintain their place. In terms of diplomatic relations, at present, India has over 201 dependencies around the world. In simple words, it is called foreign relations between India and other countries.
With the 2nd largest armed force, 3rd largest military expenditure, 3rd largest economy in terms of buying power parity and 5th largest economy by GDP nominal rates, India is a leading nuclear power, regional power, potential power, and developing global power.
Following the journey of Atmanirbhar Bharat, Indians are building their brands in every possible sector, making it an ideal place for investors globally to invest here. This can result in good international relations between India and other countries. So let’s see which 10 countries are India’s best friends today.
List of Top 10 Friend Countries of India
Top 10 countries which are the best friend of India 2023
1. Israel
In terms of agriculture and defence, Israel and India have good relations. This bond has been growing since 2014; the reason behind this is the initiative and engagement done by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The import of defence equipment, machinery and Rafale from Israel not only strengthens the Indian defence sector but also enhances the relationship between these two countries.
The Prime Minister of Israel, Naftali Bennett, is also involved in incorporating smart technologies in agriculture in India. Israel’s collaboration with India’s agriculture department will help in getting employment opportunities.
2. Russia
Russia itself is the most powerful country when it comes to defence, army force and machinery. Both governments have collaborated to perform economic, cultural, trade, and scientific activities. In 2021, Prime Minister Narender Modi presented his vision of the economy to Russia’s President Vladimir Putin, which was also appreciated by him and boosted to implement the idea of that message. In the Indian market, the presence of Russia has clearly shown in terms of investment which is about USD 4 billion.
The focus area of investment is automobile and BPO. On the other side, India has invested about USD 8 billion in hydrocarbon projects in the Russian market. Governments on both sides have taken the initiative to support other business sectors, such as fertilizers, infrastructure, coal, nuclear power plants, pharmaceuticals, etc.
3. USA
The USA is one of its closest friends of India. With every passing year, the relationship between the USA and India has become more powerful. Both USA and India give priority to the practices of equal civil treatment, human rights and fair submission of law.
These two countries shared their mutual ways and trade interest fairly. In 2019, the country shared a bilateral trade of around $149 billion. USA’s exports to India in 2021 were estimated to be approximately US$ 40 billion. Even the US-based company, “Walmart” said that Indian retailers use their platform to make good connections in the US market. The continued export from India by the US clearly shows the strong relationship between the United States and India.
4. Japan
Japan and India share a strong bond when it comes to business, technology and spiritual beliefs. Buddhism suffices to describe the best allies between these two countries. Both Japan and India started sharing cultural values along with trading alliances. When Japan was devastated during World War II, India was there to help them. This is the reason why Japan started giving yen loans to the country.
The relationship has strengthened further after much discussion between the President of Japan and India regarding the Free and Open Indo-Pacific Model. In bilateral trade, they earned around $17.63 billion in 2019. The items being sent to Japan include clothing, fish, iron and steel products, accessories, petroleum products, textile yarn, chemical factors, etc. In contrast, India imports organic chemicals, non-ferrous metals and electrical machinery as its primary products.
5. Afghanistan
Due to geographical locations, Afghanistan and India have had a deal for several years. In the year 2020, these countries traded about $1.5 billion. One of the biggest drawbacks is trading through Pakistan. Various steps have been taken gradually to make trading more consistent and convenient. Under the encouragement of Ashraf Ghani, both countries jointly introduced the “Air Freight Corridor” in the year 2017.
6. Bhutan
Both Bhutan and India share a common interest in the growth of South East Asian countries. The bilateral trade between these two countries has increased in recent years. The two governments have been talking about enhancing trade routes and better business models between Bhutan and India. They are changing their views on some tax-related rules and customs.
These changes bring a quick turnaround in trade, thus making it easier to cross borders easily. In the development of Bhutan, the Government of India plays an important role. This is clearly visible in the financial assistance that India has provided to Bhutan. Today, both countries are focusing on creating modern and innovative business locations for investors.
7. Myanmar
When it comes to cultural and ethnic elements, the similarities between Myanmar and India are clearly visible. Although relations between Myanmar and India were strained for a few years, they improved in the year 2016. For the Indian government, Myanmar serves as a way to reach out to East Asian countries to set up a business. However, the Indian government not only focus on business factor but also tries to increase aliens in terms of broader respect.
The allies help them build railways, markets, and shipping areas along the border lines. Myanmar’s President Win Myint also expressed interest in expanding business in the power and health sectors. India is the largest investor when it comes to the oil and gas sectors.
8. Sri Lanka
The business factor between Sri Lanka and India clearly describes the friendship between the two countries. They share many economic activities, including growth in education, health, transportation, industrial sectors, infrastructure, etc. More and more Indian companies have started investing in the Sri Lankan market, especially in finance, tourism, petroleum retail, and telecommunications.
On the other hand, Sri Lankan investors and businesses form a fresh perspective in India’s shipment and logistics sectors. Even the Finance Minister of Sri Lanka reached India to understand a new viewpoint on the travel and tourism industry. India also helped Sri Lanka in every possible way during the pandemic.
9. The Maldives
Situated in the Indian Ocean, this tiny island plays a significant role when it comes to international business. The Maldives works as a toll plaza on the water, all thanks to its geographical location. People from India and Maldives have common interests in economics, culture, and language. India is always at the forefront to help and support the island in every way, whether in defence of severe natural calamity.
Governments of both parties now took additional steps and initiatives to increase relations between them. The best example to describe the friendship between India and Maldives is clearly shown in the financial help by India to Maldives, which was around $1.4 billion. With this help, the well-being of the people of Maldives was ensured. Since Maldives is a vacation spot, it opens a pathway of employment even for Indians.
10. Australia
The relationship between Australia and India is going to be stronger as they try to enhance their economic relations. As per data, India ranked 7th largest trading partner of Australia. Likewise, Australia is the largest supplier market for India. While India provides coal, gold, medicines, copper, pearls, gems and refined petroleum, Australia opens a door for Indian students because of its excellent education facilities. Investments will offset developments in space, energy, critical minerals and education.
Final Words:
India has friendly relations with various countries in terms of corporate and business. These bonds help in making the country’s economy more robust and reliable. More and more people want to invest in India because of the high-profit potential. This makes India the most prominent investment destination in the world.
Santosh Kumar is a Professional SEO and Blogger, With the help of this blog he is trying to share top 10 lists, facts, entertainment news from India and all around the world.