India and Timor-Leste established diplomatic relations in 2002 when Timor-Leste became the world's newest nation following independence from Indonesian occupation. India was among the early countries to recognise Timor-Leste and has provided development cooperation through ITEC training, technical assistance, and health sector support. Timor-Leste's ASEAN membership aspirations and its oil-dependent economy create the context for India's Southeast Asia-facing engagement.
COOPERATION AREAS
Where India and Timor-Leste actually work together
4 active areas of cooperation, as of July 2026. Click any card for the full brief.
TRADE & INVESTMENT
By the numbers
Estimates based on UN Comtrade data, 2023. Trade is limited; pharmaceuticals and manufactured goods dominate India's exports.
$52m
Total bilateral trade in goods
$45m
India exports to country
$7m
India imports from country
Trade trajectory · USD bn
$0.052bnin 2024 · click a bar to compare years
TOP TRADED ITEMS
AGREEMENTS & MILESTONES
The relationship since 2002, in 6 dates
CURRENT STATE
Where things stand, 2026
India-Timor-Leste relations are warm and development-focused. ITEC scholarships, pharmaceutical supply, and bilateral grants are the active channels. Timor-Leste's expected ASEAN membership will bring it more centrally into India's Act East engagement framework. The country's oil-dependent economy and planned Tasi Mane development create potential for Indian energy sector participation.
SIGNALS TO WATCH
On track / positive momentum
In progress / worth watching
Stalled or facing headwinds
Not yet started / unclear
QUICK FACTS
CapitalDili
Population1.3 million
RegionSoutheast Asia
Diplomatic tiesSince 2002
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