India’s Coal Exports Rise 23.4 Per Cent To 1.9 Million Tonnes
09 Oct 2025 CW Team
India’s coal exports grew 23.4 per cent to 1.908 million tonnes in the financial year 2024–25, government data showed. The increase comes as the country steps up efforts to boost coal exports and tap into rising global demand for fossil fuels.
Provisional figures from the Ministry of Coal reveal that India’s coal exports stood at 1.546 million tonnes in 2023–24. In value terms, exports were worth Rs 16.4 billion in FY25 compared with Rs 18.3 billion in FY24.
India primarily exports coal to neighbouring countries such as Nepal, Bangladesh, and Bhutan. A previous study suggested that India has the potential to export up to 15 million tonnes of coal annually to nearby markets.
The country’s export potential includes an estimated 8 million tonnes to Bangladesh, 3 million tonnes to Myanmar, 2 million tonnes to Nepal, and another 2 million tonnes to other countries.
Officials noted that promoting exports, increasing domestic coal output, and reducing import dependence form part of India’s broader strategy to achieve energy self-reliance and ensure long-term energy security.
The government said that higher coal exports and production are expected to stimulate economic growth, generate employment, and increase revenue. Reducing coal imports will also help shield the Indian economy from global price volatility and strengthen the resilience of its energy supply chain.