India and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) maintain diplomatic relations since 1961, with a relationship spanning UN peacekeeping, ITEC capacity building, and growing strategic interest in the DRC's extraordinary mineral wealth. The DRC holds approximately 70% of the world's cobalt reserves and vast deposits of coltan (columbite-tantalite), lithium, and other critical minerals essential to India's electric vehicle and technology sectors. India's interest in securing a role in the DRC's mineral supply chains has given the relationship new strategic depth.
COOPERATION AREAS
Where India and Congo (Democratic Republic) actually work together
4 active areas of cooperation, as of July 2026. Click any card for the full brief.
TRADE & INVESTMENT
By the numbers
Approximate figures. India exports pharmaceuticals and textiles; DRC exports minerals and timber. Critical minerals trade is growing from a low base.
~$120mn
Total bilateral trade in goods
~$90mn
India exports to country
~$30mn
India imports from country
Trade trajectory · USD bn
$0.12bnin 2023 · click a bar to compare years
TOP TRADED ITEMS
AGREEMENTS & MILESTONES
The relationship since 1961, in 6 dates
CURRENT STATE
Where things stand, 2026
The India-DRC relationship is in transition: the MONUSCO peacekeeping chapter has closed, but a new chapter centred on critical minerals is opening. The DRC's extraordinary cobalt and coltan wealth is increasingly central to India's EV and technology supply chain strategy, giving the relationship new strategic weight. Development cooperation, pharmaceutical trade, and ITEC training continue.
SIGNALS TO WATCH
On track / positive momentum
In progress / worth watching
Stalled or facing headwinds
Not yet started / unclear
QUICK FACTS
CapitalKinshasa
Population100 million
RegionAfrica
Diplomatic tiesSince 1961
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