India’s Coal Exports Rise 23 Per Cent in FY25
India’s coal exports rose sharply during the financial year 2024-25. Official government data shows exports grew by an impressive 23.4 per cent. The total volume of coal exported reached 1.908 million tonnes (MT) in FY25. This compares to 1.546 MT recorded in the previous financial year, 2023-24. These figures are currently provisional.
This significant development assumes national importance. The government actively promotes coal exports. It seeks to capitalise on the growing global demand for fossil fuels. By boosting exports, India strengthens its presence in the international energy market.
Strategic Export Push Targets Neighboring Nations
India focuses its coal exports primarily on neighboring countries. Key destinations include Nepal, Bangladesh, and Bhutan. A recent study confirmed India’s substantial export potential. The study indicated India could export up to 15 million tonnes of coal to its neighboring countries alone.
Specifically, India has the capacity to export 8 MT to Bangladesh. It could send 3 MT to Myanmar. Nepal could receive 2 MT, with another 2 MT going to other countries. This strategic export push benefits the domestic economy. The increased production and export activity create new jobs. It also generates substantial revenue for the government.
Enhancing Energy Security and Self-Reliance
The government prioritises both export promotion and import substitution. The goal remains achieving self-reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat). India reduces its dependence on foreign sources by relying more on domestically produced coal. This action insulates the country from volatile global price fluctuations. The reduction in coal imports and the promotion of exports are crucial steps. They directly enhance India’s long-term energy security.
The Ministry aims to strengthen the coal sector’s growth. The promotion of exports, coupled with increasing domestic production, supports this growth. While India saw a rise in export volume, the value of coal exports decreased slightly in FY25, dropping from Rs 1,828.2 crore in FY24 to Rs 1,643.4 crore in FY25. Regardless, the volume surge confirms the sector’s increasing capacity and its ability to meet both domestic and international energy needs.
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Vishal Duggal, Chief Editor, News Orbiter, possesses over two decades of journalistic experience across print and web domains. He headed the editorial team of “Sahara Time” a 48-page general interest English weekly newspaper. He was also a senior editor with Exchange4media group’s real estate magazine “Realty Plus” and prior to that Consulting Editor with “Geopolitics” a magazine on defence and strategic affairs, and Executive Editor with Pravasi Indians, a magazine on the global Indian diaspora. Currently, he lends his professional expertise to several publications and websites.
