North Dakota-India Trade Relationship Grows Stronger

State exports $12 million in goods to India in 2023 as vegetarian diet aligns with top crops

Mar. 27, 2026 at 5:09pm

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Trade between North Dakota and India has become a significant factor in the state's economy, with the North Dakota Trade Office reporting that the relationship is growing rapidly. In 2023, North Dakota exported around $12 million in goods to India, driven by the alignment between the vegetarian Hindu diet and the state's top crop production.

Why it matters

The strengthening trade relationship between North Dakota and India highlights the state's ability to capitalize on global market opportunities, particularly in the agriculture sector. As India's vegetarian dietary preferences match well with North Dakota's top crops, this trade partnership represents an important economic driver for the state.

The details

The North Dakota Trade Office says the state's trade relationship with India is growing fairly rapidly, with North Dakota exporting roughly $12 million in goods to India in 2023. The strong trade ties are driven by the alignment between India's vegetarian Hindu diet and the crops that North Dakota is a top producer of.

  • In 2023, North Dakota exported roughly $12 million in goods to India.

The players

North Dakota Trade Office

The state agency responsible for promoting and facilitating trade between North Dakota and international markets.

Drew Combs

The executive director of the North Dakota Trade Office.

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What they’re saying

“The relationship is becoming so strong that India is giving the state a statue of Mahatma Gandhi, which will be displayed in the Bismarck Peace Park.”

— Drew Combs, Executive Director, North Dakota Trade Office

What’s next

The North Dakota Trade Office plans to continue promoting the state's agricultural products and exploring new trade opportunities with India.

The takeaway

North Dakota's ability to capitalize on the alignment between its top crops and India's vegetarian dietary preferences has led to a rapidly growing trade relationship, underscoring the state's economic potential in global agricultural markets.