Riyadh: In a reaffirmation of long-standing diplomatic ties, India’s Ambassador to Yemen, Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan, met Rashad Al-Alimi, Chairman of Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council, in Riyadh to discuss strengthening bilateral relations and advancing mutual interests.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Chief of Mission Abu Mathen and First Secretary Rishi Tripathi. It underscored New Delhi’s continued engagement with Sana’a despite Yemen’s challenging political landscape.
Historic Ties with Yemen
India has been an early and steadfast partner to Yemen. It recognised the Yemen Arab Republic in 1962 and the People’s Democratic Republic of Yemen in 1967. Following the unification of the two into the Republic of Yemen in 1990, diplomatic and trade relations have remained active and mutually beneficial.
Strong and Growing Trade Links
Bilateral trade between India and Yemen reached approximately USD 1.07 billion in FY 2021–22. Indian exports stood at USD 847 million, marking a year-on-year growth of 7.77 percent.
Yemen’s imports from India include rice, wheat, sugar, pharmaceutical formulations, ceramics, processed fruits and juices, textiles, petroleum products, and yarn and fabrics. In return, India imported USD 228 million worth of Yemeni goods—a remarkable 873.92 percent growth from the previous year. Key imports included iron and steel, petroleum, telecom instruments, aluminium, lead products, electrical machinery, copper, and raw hides and skins.
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Indian Pharma Leadership in Yemen
India maintains a dominant position in Yemen’s pharmaceutical sector. Leading Indian firms—such as Ranbaxy, Cipla, Sun Pharma, Alkem Laboratories, Cadila, Wockhardt, Glenmark, Kopran, Orchid, Medley, and Biocon—supply essential medicines, making India one of Yemen’s top pharma import partners.
Strengthening Strategic and Economic Cooperation
The latest engagement between senior Indian and Yemeni leaders reflects a shared commitment to deepen ties across diplomatic, economic, and health domains. It also highlights India’s intent to remain a reliable partner in Yemen’s development journey.
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