India imports a wide range of goods from other countries, including items such as crude oil, electronics, machinery, gold, and precious stones. The exact number of things imported can vary over time due to changing trade patterns and policies.
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India is a prominent player in the global economy and has a substantial appetite for imported goods. The country imports a diverse range of products from various countries, which contribute significantly to its domestic consumption and industrial growth. While it is difficult to provide an exhaustive list of all the things India imports, I will highlight some key items that are frequently imported.
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Crude Oil: India heavily relies on imported crude oil to meet its energy demands. According to the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, in the financial year 2020-2021, India imported around 205.32 million metric tonnes of crude oil, making it one of the largest importers in the world.
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Electronics: With the rise in consumer electronics and technological advancements, India imports various electronic goods such as smartphones, televisions, laptops, and components required for manufacturing these devices. China and Southeast Asian countries are major suppliers of electronic goods to India.
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Machinery and Industrial Equipment: India imports a wide range of machinery and industrial equipment to support its manufacturing sector. This includes capital goods, heavy machinery, industrial tools, and specialized equipment needed for various industries.
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Gold and Precious Stones: India has a deep cultural affinity for gold, and it is one of the largest consumers of gold globally. It imports gold for both personal and industrial purposes. Additionally, it also imports precious stones like diamonds, gemstones, and pearls, which are used in the jewelry industry.
It is essential to note that these are just a few examples, and the list is not exhaustive. Trade patterns and policies continually evolve, leading to changes in import trends. India’s imports are subject to fluctuations based on factors such as economic conditions, global trade dynamics, and government regulations.
Regarding interesting facts related to India’s imports, consider the following:
- According to the World Trade Organization, India was the world’s sixth-largest merchandise importer in 2020.
- India’s largest import partner is China, followed by the United States.
- The import of crude oil and petroleum products constitutes a significant portion of India’s import bill.
- The Indian government has taken initiatives to promote domestic manufacturing and reduce dependency on imports through schemes like Make in India.
To present the data in a more structured format, here is a tabulated representation of some key items imported by India:
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Crude Oil | Petroleum, oil, and lubricants (POL) |
| Electronics | Smartphones, televisions, laptops |
| Machinery | Capital goods, industrial tools |
| Gold and Precious Stones | Gold, diamonds, gemstones, pearls |
In the words of Mahatma Gandhi, “A nation’s culture resides in the hearts and soul of its people.” The import of goods to India reflects the nation’s evolving needs, aspirations, and its position in the global landscape.
A video response to “How many things India import from other countries?”
This YouTube video highlights the top 10 import products in India and the countries that contribute to its import market. China is the main source for India’s imports, followed by the United Arab Emirates and Switzerland. The video explains that products such as sewing machines, optical and photographic equipment, iron and steel, animal and vegetable fats, plastic, chemicals, machinery, and electrical equipment are among the most imported items in India. It also mentions that India invests heavily in precious metals, particularly gold, and imports a significant amount of diamonds and petroleum. The video provides valuable insights into the major import items of India and the countries that support its import needs.
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India imports around 6000 commodities from 140 countries. The following table shows India’s 10 largest sources of imports in 2022–23.
India imports 4,332 products from 211 countries. The total value of imports is US$ 367,980 million. India also exports about 7,500 goods.
The total value of imports (CIF) is US$ 367,980 million. At the HS6 digit level, 4,417 products are exported to 224 countries and 4,332 products are imported from 211 countries.
About 7500 goods are imported and exported by India.
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The largest share of India’s imports came from China, accounting for over 15 percent in fiscal year 2022. United Arab Emirates followed at over seven percent. India’s major exports, on the other hand, went to the United States in the same time period.