Iran Charts a Roadmap to India’s Billion-Dollar Market

TEHRAN (Iran News) According to the Public Relations Department of the TPO, the conference aimed to provide a practical roadmap for Iranian companies seeking a sustainable presence in one of the world’s largest consumer markets. Speakers repeatedly emphasized that success in India requires moving beyond traditional export practices toward long-term market-building strategies.

Hamidreza Karbalayi Esmaili, Deputy Director for the Indian Subcontinent at the TPO, highlighted branding as one of the most overlooked yet critical elements of international trade. He noted that while market analysis is often based on various indicators such as demand, pricing, and logistics, branding should be treated as a higher priority.

“If we want to enter global markets effectively, we must pay serious attention to branding,” Karbalayi Esmaili said. “Unfortunately, many companies underestimate its importance.” He added that choosing the right commercial partner is another decisive factor, as it helps create stable and continuous trade relations rather than short-term transactions.

He also pointed to the role of trade centers in reducing operational and logistical costs. Such centers, which are now common in many countries, operate under established regulations and can significantly facilitate market entry. Another important branding-related strategy, he said, is producing goods within the target market itself, which can enhance brand recognition and competitiveness.

Karbalayi Esmaili emphasized that Iran is surrounded by countries with high market potential, yet a lack of market understanding and weak branding strategies have prevented Iranian businesses from fully benefiting from these opportunities. “Market-making comes before marketing,” he said, adding that companies aiming for a lasting presence in India must invest in structured and informed market-building efforts.

Describing India as a major emerging economic power, he noted that its population of over one billion makes it an exceptionally attractive destination for Iranian exporters. However, Iran’s current share of the Indian market remains limited, largely due to policy shortcomings and restrictive frameworks that have hindered deeper engagement.

India’s role as a complementary, rather than competitive, trade partner was highlighted by Hossein Bamiri, Iran’s Commercial Counselor in India. He said India is one of Iran’s largest customers in the petrochemical sector, although logistical and organizational challenges sometimes complicate Iran’s participation in Indian trade events, such as hosting national pavilions.

Bamiri explained that Iran’s exports to India are still heavily concentrated in traditional agricultural products, including pistachios, almonds, apples, kiwis, and dates. While these products have established demand, he stressed the need to diversify exports by introducing additional agricultural and processed goods, such as confectionery, sweets, chocolates, and other fruits.

“This diversification is only possible through a stronger and more visible presence at Indian exhibitions,” he said, adding that trade fairs provide a crucial platform for introducing new products and building trust with Indian buyers.

He also called for reforms in Iran’s trade policies to reduce reliance on traditional export models. India, he noted, consists of 31 states, some with populations exceeding 200 million people. “One Indian state alone can represent a market larger than many countries,” Bamiri said. “Yet we have little to no presence there because we do not participate actively in regional trade events or fully understand local market dynamics.”

Addressing bilateral challenges, Sinha, India’s Commercial Counselor in Iran, expressed readiness to help resolve existing trade barriers between the two countries. He said discussions and correspondence are underway to address export-related obstacles, and the Indian Embassy is prepared to assist in improving trade, export, and import processes.

He noted that Iranian exports to India include nuts and fruits such as pistachios, almonds, kiwis, and apples, while pharmaceutical products are among the key goods imported by Iran from India. Highlighting India’s strong trade ties with Europe and other regions, he expressed hope that these connections could also facilitate greater Iranian access to global markets. “India’s Billion-Dollar Market”

The importance of structured planning for participation in international trade events was emphasized by Ali Rajabzadeh, organizer of the India Trade Opportunities Exhibition and Conference. He said Iran has increasingly turned its attention toward emerging markets in recent years, with India ranking as the world’s fourth-largest economy. “India’s Billion-Dollar Market”

“Despite India’s economic size, Iran’s share of this market is extremely small,” Rajabzadeh said. He noted that in many countries, the continuity and growth of trade exhibitions are clear indicators of strong commercial relations. According to international trade experts, exhibitions are among the most effective tools for expanding cross-border commerce.

Rajabzadeh stressed that Iran must move beyond traditional trade practices. “An exhibition is an event, but benefiting from it is a process,” he said. “This process requires planning before, during, and after participation.” He added that post-event follow-up, network marketing, and systematic market-building are essential for turning exhibitions into tangible trade outcomes.