India and Sudan have maintained diplomatic relations since Sudan's independence in 1956, with ties shaped by oil investments (ONGC Videsh in the Greater Nile Petroleum consortium), gum arabic trade, and periodic crises requiring Indian humanitarian response. The most dramatic expression of bilateral solidarity came in April–May 2023, when India launched Operation Kaveri — a major evacuation operation that rescued over 3,000 Indian nationals from Sudan as civil war erupted between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces.
COOPERATION AREAS
Where India and Sudan actually work together
4 active areas of cooperation, as of July 2026. Click any card for the full brief.
TRADE & INVESTMENT
By the numbers
Pre-conflict estimates based on DGFT and UN Comtrade data, FY 2022–23. Trade has been severely disrupted by the April 2023 civil war. Gum arabic and ONGC equity oil are the key import categories.
$400m
Total bilateral trade in goods
$250m
India exports to country
$150m
India imports from country
Trade trajectory · USD bn
$0.4bnin FY23 · click a bar to compare years
TOP TRADED ITEMS
AGREEMENTS & MILESTONES
The relationship since 1956, in 7 dates
CURRENT STATE
Where things stand, 2026
India-Sudan relations are in a crisis mode driven by the ongoing civil war. Operation Kaveri successfully evacuated Indian nationals, but the conflict has severely disrupted trade, ONGC Videsh operations, and normal diplomatic functions. India maintains its Embassy (relocated to Port Sudan) and engagement with the SAF-aligned government. Gum arabic and pharmaceutical trade have been disrupted but not entirely halted. The conflict shows no near-term resolution, keeping bilateral relations in emergency management mode.
SIGNALS TO WATCH
On track / positive momentum
In progress / worth watching
Stalled or facing headwinds
Not yet started / unclear
QUICK FACTS
CapitalKhartoum
Population46 million
RegionAfrica
Diplomatic tiesSince 1956
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