Iraq

At present, Iraq contributes significantly to India’s energy security and is the second-largest supplier of crude oil to India

Since 2018, Iraq has been the largest supplier of crude oil to India

India is most preferred destination for Iraqis seeking quality medical treatment

About 30,000-40,000 Indians visit the Holy shrines in Baghdad, Najaf and Karbala every year

Iraqi pharmaceuticals companies have been actively participating in various trade promotion events organized in India

US$ 21,401.41 mn
Bilateral trade value between 2021-2022

14,981

Iraqi visas issued under national missions in 2021

15,000-17,000
Overseas Indians living in Iraq

Hydrocarbon reserves

One of the largest reserves in the world and has 98 trillion cubic meters reserves of gas

Rich

in sulphur, phosphate, and iron

Focus sectors

The Government of Iraq has identified over 750 investment opportunities throughout Iraq in sectors including construction, manufacturing industry, agriculture, tourism, housing, telecommunications and healthcare

Logistic hub

Iraq has strategically important ports and airports, and can develop into a cost-effective trading and distribution location

India-Iraq Bilateral Relations

A summary of the bilateral engagements between India and Iraq.

India's Exports and Imports to Iraq

Source: Department of Commerce

Dated: 30/01/2023
Values in US $ Millions

Country / Region: IRAQ

S.No.	\Year	2017-2018	2018-2019	2019-2020	2020-2021	2021-2022
1.	EXPORT	1,462.23	1,788.66	1,878.17	1,498.99	2,403.27
2.	%Growth		22.32	5.00	-20.19	60.33
3.	India’s Total Export	303,526.16	330,078.09	313,361.04	291,808.48	422,004.40
4.	%Growth		8.75	-5.06	-6.88	44.62
5.	%Share	0.48	0.54	0.60	0.51	0.57
6.	IMPORT	17,615.81	22,372.47	23,740.18	14,287.10	31,927.05
7.	%Growth		27.00	6.11	-39.82	123.47
8.	India’s Total Import	465,580.99	514,078.42	474,709.28	394,435.88	613,052.05
9.	%Growth		10.42	-7.66	-16.91	55.43
10.	%Share	3.78	4.35	5.00	3.62	5.21
11.	TOTAL TRADE	19,078.04	24,161.14	25,618.34	15,786.09	34,330.33
12.	%Growth		26.64	6.03	-38.38	117.47
13.	India’s Total Trade	769,107.15	844,156.51	788,070.32	686,244.36	1,035,056.45
14.	%Growth		9.76	-6.64	-12.92	50.83
15.	%Share	2.48	2.86	3.25	2.30	3.32
16.	TRADE BALANCE	-16,153.58	-20,583.81	-21,862.01	-12,788.12	-29,523.78
17.	India’s Trade Balance	-162,054.83	-184,000.33	-161,348.24	-102,627.40	-191,047.65

National Investment Commission

Visit Website

National Investment Commission Baghdad- Iraq

Embassy of India, Baghdad

00-964 7704439706

Visit Website

Building No.22, Street No. 16,
Mohalla No. 609, Al Mansour District
Baghdad

Commercial Representative

+964-77-2673-9642

Visit Website

Second Secretary (Commerce / HOC)

Commercial Representative

+964-77-0484-3247

Visit Website

P.A. (Commerce)

Opportunities

Agricultural exports

Meat of bovine animals, frozen (excl. of 0202.10), bone-in (020220)
Meat of fowls of species Gallus domesticus, not cut in pieces, frozen (020712)

agriexchange.apeda.gov.in

Rolled/flaked grains of cereals other than oats (110419)
Semi-milled/wholly milled rice, whether or not polished/glazed (100630)
Wheat other than durum wheat; meslin (100190)

agriexchange.apeda.gov.in

Fresh (unripened/uncured) cheese, incl. whey cheese, & curd (040610)
Milk & cream, concentrated (excl. in powder), unsweetened (040291)
Milk in powder/granules/oth. solid form, fat content by wt. not >1.5% (040210)

agriexchange.apeda.gov.in

Tomatoes, fresh/chilled (070200)
Watermelons, fresh (080711)

agriexchange.apeda.gov.in

Employment Opportunities

*Information subject to changes amid the global COVID-19 pandemic.

Foreign workers contribute heavily in Iraq, especially in the energy and infrastructure sectors. The other sectors drawing foreign workers include healthcare, education, telecoms, among others.

With the lifting of the Government of India advisory against travel of Indians to Iraq which was in vogue from 2004 till mid 2010, the number of Indian workers had steadily increased in the more developed and peaceful Kurdistan region, with better salaries and working conditions in steel mills, oil companies and construction projects. The number of Indians in Iraq is estimated to be around 18007.

More Info:Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of IRAQ

Public and private infrastructure building, maintenance

Following prolonged geo-political conflict, the nation is rebuilding its infrastructure that has offered opportunities. Construction of civic infrastructure and connectivity projects has largely been supported by foreign workers at different levels in Iraq.

Ministry of Construction and Housing Visa types

Tax, accounting, banking, insurance, audit and other financial services

The financial services sector in Iraq has seen rising activity owing to increasing digitisation that has bolstered financial inclusion. Financial services in Iraq are supported by foreign workers at different capacities.

Iraqi Ministry of Finance Central Bank of Iraq Visa types

Doctors, nurses, radiologists, lab technicians

Iraq Government is investing 5-7% of the national GDP in strengthening the health sector. Iraq attracts large number of healthcare workers ranging from doctors to nurses and lab technicians.

Ministry of Health Kimadia Visa types

Software, hardware, new technology in telecoms and communications

Following prolonged geo-political conflict, the nation is inviting experts to build strong a technology and communications sector to best serve the future. The IT and ICT infrastructure in Iraq has been set up and is supported by foreign workers.

Ministry of Communications of Iraq Visa types

Automobile to food products production

The Industrial sector is seen as one of the most prominent components of Iraq’s non- oil economy. The manufacturing industry in Iraq, covering a range of products, draws foreign manpower.

Ministry of Industry and Minerals Ministry of Transportation Visa types

Upstream oil and gas sector staffing

There are 115 billion barrels of proven oil reserves in Iraq, with experts estimating that there may be an additional 45 to 215 billion barrels of probable and possible reserves. Iraq’s oil and gas exploration sector is a major employer and strength for the economy.

Oil and Gas Sector Visa types

Faculty positions up to uninversity

Iraq is one of the most important countries that gave special attention to education system since the mid twentieth century, as it owns many reliable universities which are listed among the best ones in the Arab region. The education sector in Iraq, ranging from schools to universities draws foreign teaching staff from different disciplines.

Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research Ministry of Education Visa types