India’s coal exports climbed 23.4% year-on-year to 1.91 million tonnes in FY 2024–25, reflecting the government’s push to tap growing regional demand for fossil fuels. Provisional data show exports up from 1.55 million tonnes in FY 2023–24.
In value terms, coal shipments were pegged at ₹1,643.4 crore in FY25, compared to ₹1,828.2 crore in the previous fiscal year. India primarily exports coal to Nepal, Bangladesh, and Bhutan, markets that continue to show steady demand for Indian supplies.
Government officials have noted that expanding exports, boosting domestic production, and reducing import dependence are central to India’s strategy for energy self-reliance and coal sector growth. A previous study indicated that India could potentially export up to 15 million tonnes of coal annually to neighboring countries—about 8 MT to Bangladesh, 3 MT to Myanmar, 2 MT to Nepal, and 2 MT to other regional markets.
The Ministry of Coal believes that scaling up production and exports can stimulate economic growth, generate employment, and enhance government revenues, while a parallel reduction in imports will help strengthen India’s energy security. Increased reliance on domestically mined coal, officials said, will also shield the country from global price fluctuations and reinforce its long-term energy resilience.
