Embassy of India
Dili
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India – Timor Leste : Bilateral Relations

History: 

India and Timor-Leste (TL) enjoy warm and friendly relations based on shared commitment to the values of democracy, pluralism and diversity. India was one of the early countries to establish diplomatic relations with TL and was represented at its Independence Day celebrations in May 2002 by a high-level delegation led by the then MOS for External Affairs Shri Omar Abdullah. Letters of felicitations from the then President, PM and EAM were handed over on this occasion. An MOU formally establishing diplomatic relations was signed on 24 January 2003. 

Indian diplomats, Ambassador Kamlesh Sharma (from May 2002 to May 2004) and Dr. Atul Khare (December 2006 to December 2009), had served as the Special Representative of Secretary General (SRSG) in TL. The Deputy Permanent Representative (DPR) of the Indian Mission in New York (Permanent Mission of India to the UN) was a member of the mini mission of the Security Council which visited TL in November 2012 to analyze the ground situation and hear views of all concerned on United Nations Integrated Mission in TL (UNMIT)’s withdrawal and post-UNMIT situation in TL.

TL supports India's permanent membership of the UNSC. This was formally announced by PM Alkatiri in 2003 at the UNGA. TL supported India's candidature for a non-permanent seat during 2011-12, and in 2021-22. TL co-sponsored the Resolution on Yoga in the UNGA.

Resident Missions in India and Timor Leste: 

On 7 September 2023, PM Modi announced at the ASEAN-India Summit that India would open a Resident Mission in Timor Leste. Accordingly, on 5 September 2024, the new Indian Embassy was established in Dili, Timor-Leste. Subsequently, Government of Democratic Republic of Timor Leste also established their resident Mission in New Delhi, India in October 2024. 

Economy:

Timor-Leste is among Least Developed Countries with GDP of $2.16 billion and per capita GDP of around $ 1450.  Public spending is the main driver of economic activity and productive capacity remains limited. Oil and gas production provided a substantial windfall that has been saved in the Petroleum Fund, a well-governed sovereign wealth fund. As of 31 August 2025, the Fund had a balance of US$18.74 billion, equivalent to nine times of the country’s GDP ($ 2 Billion approx.). The core challenge for policy makers is leveraging these resources to achieve inclusive and sustainable economic growth. Apart from Petroleum Fund, Timor-Leste receives financial assistance from Australia, Japan, the United States, Portugal, and China. International organizations like European Union, Asian Development Bank, International Monetary Fund, The World Bank and several specialized agencies within UN such as WHO, WFP, UNDP, and UNESCO are also among major donors. 

As per Central Bank of Timor-Leste mid-term economic review, Timor-Leste's economy in 2025 shows resilience, supported by strong public spending, consumption, and a growing credit market. Inflation is subdued, and the banking system is stable with deepening domestic lending. Yet the country continues to face persistent external deficits, dependence on petroleum revenues, and limited private sector dynamism. Addressing these structural issues - by increasing domestic production, diversification, strengthening financial intermediation, and enforcing fiscal sustainability - remains vital for long-term stability and for laying the foundations for economic resilience and sustainability.

India-TL bilateral trade during 2023-24 was US $48.30 million in which major items of exports included agro products, pharmaceuticals, etc.

Important bilateral visits and meetings:

(i) The Vice Minister of Health of TL Mrs Natalia D. Araujo visited Delhi to participate in the International Conference on Traditional Medicine for Southeast Asian Countries in February 2013. The Minister of Health of TL Dr Sergio G.C. Lobo led a delegation to India in March 2013 and met with the Minister of Health and Family Welfare. Finance Minister of TL Ms Emilia Pires visited India in May 2013 for ADB Governors’ Meeting. 

(ii) EAM met the Foreign Minister of TL in Brunei on the sidelines of ARF Ministerial Meeting in early July 2013. The two Ministers discussed bilateral issues and ways to take the relationship forward. During the meeting, EAM offered to provide a grant in aid of US$ 100,000 to Government of TL (this grant was later utilized to donate an Ambulance to TL). 

(iii) The Vice Minister of Health of TL Dr. Ana Isabel visited India to attend the Pharmexcil’s International Business Meet held in Chennai in July 2015. Joint Secretary of Ministry of Health and Family Welfare Mr. Anshu Prakash, accompanied by Director Mr. Amal Push represented India at the WHO Regional Committee Meeting held in Dili in September 2015.

(iv) Foreign Minister of TL Mr. Hernani Coelho visited India on 27-29 March 2016 and met with EAM, MOS(VKS) and Minister of Health & Family Welfare. This was the first ever visit by TL Foreign Minister to India. As a follow up, the Vice Foreign Minister of TL Mr. Roberto Sarmento de Oliveira Soares visited India on 4-6 December 2016 and called on MOS (VKS), CIM and Minister of Health and Family Welfare. 

(v) Mr. Krishan Pal Gurjar, Hon’ble Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India visited Dili, Timor Leste from 7-10 April 2018 as Special Envoy of the Government of India. During his visit, Hon’ble Minister called on the President of Timor Leste H.E. Dr. Francisco Guterres Lu Olo, Prime Minister H.E. Dr. Mari Bin Amude Alkatiri,  Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation H.E. Prof. Dr. Aurelio Guterres, Minister of Justice H.E. Ms. Maria Angela Guterres Viegas Carrascalao, Minister of Tourism H.E. Mr. Manuel Vone and Minister of Education and Culture H.E. Prof. Dr. Fernando Hanjam.  The Hon’ble Minister extended an invitation from the President of India to the President of Timor Leste to visit India at an early date.  The Hon’ble Minister briefed the Timor Leste leadership on the successful holding of the Founding Conference of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) Summit in New Delhi in March 2018 and invited Timor Leste, which is one of the prospective member countries of ISA, to join the Alliance.  During the visit, a Memorandum of Understanding in the field of health care and public health was signed between the two countries. The Hon’ble Minister concluded his visit by delivering a public lecture at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation on the theme “Indian Foreign Policy and Modinomics”.  The lecture was attended by civil servants, diplomatic community and the local media.

(vi)   MOS (VKS) met former Foreign Minister of Timor Leste, H.E. Mr. Dionisio da Costa Babo Soares on 2-8-2018 on the margins of EAS FM’s meeting in Singapore. Foreign Minister Costa Babo confirmed acceptance of the invitation extended by Rashtrapatiji through MOS Krishna Pal Gurjar in April 2018 during latter’s visit to TL and added that the President of TL would visit India the same year. Welcoming the visit, MOS (VKS) offered to expand areas of cooperation, including oil and gas sector, agriculture, health, defence, IT as well as in capacity building and skill enhancement.  Later, Dr. S. Jaishankar, EAM met with Dr. Dionisio da Costa Babo Soares, Timor-Leste FM in Bangkok on the sidelines of EAS Summit on 2nd August, 2019 and reviewed the entire gamut of bilateral relations. 

(vii)  Flagging off of two projects funded by India, one through the India – UN Development Partnership Fund and other through IBSA :  The project on setting up of IT innovation labs in Oecussi Enclave of Timor-Leste was launched jointly by Ambassador, UNDP and Oé-cusse Administration on 10 April, 2019 with funding from India-UN Development Partnership Fund. Other project was inauguration of Sustainable Agriculture & Permaculture Learning Centre on 11 April, 2019 at Atecru, Atauro Island, financed by IBSA Fund. Both the projects empower different parts of Timor Leste, one in Oecussi Enclave in the field of education and other in Atauro Island through enabling sustainable living of local communities.  

(viii) In November 2019, Xanana Gusmao, Chief Negotiator of Maritine Boundaries and Special Representative of Timor-Leste (Mr Gusmao later took oath of office as Prime Minister on 01 July 2023), led a delegation to New Delhi and had detailed discussions with Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, Hon’ble Minister of Petroleum and Natural Resources, seeking investments in oil and gas sector of Timor-Leste, with particular reference to the Greater Sunrise Project.   Later, from 10-13 December, 2019 a three member delegation, comprising OVL, OIL and EIL, visited Timor-Leste and had discussions with officials of the national oil company - Timor Gap and State Regulatory Body, Autoridade national Do Petroleo Meneral to explore opportunities in upstream sector of Greater Sunrise Project and integration with setting up of LNG Plant. The projected multi-billion-dollar Greater Sunrise development project (gas & condensate fields) on the maritime boundary between Timor-Leste and Australia has been stalled for decades amid disputes on whether the gas should be processed into liquefied natural gas (LNG) in Timor-Leste or Australia. 

(ix) Vice Minister of Trade and Industry of Timor-Leste Mr. Domingos Lopes Antunes virtually participated in the VOGSS (Voice of Global South Summit) on 13 January 2023. In his remarks, the Vice Minister expressed gratitude to the Government of India for organizing the Summit and inviting Timor-Leste to participate.  He called for trade integration and an enabling business and investment environment as an effort to contribute to economic  growth that  is sustainable, inclusive, and resilient despite prevailing global economic challenges and complexity. He also added that as a young and Least Developed Country, Timor-Leste had to make efforts in building key social and economic infrastructure including health, education, roads, airports, connectivity, among others to lay the foundations for socio-economic growth.

(x) Chief of Defence Force (CDF) of Timor-Leste led a delegation to India for Aero India Show in February 2023 along with Senior Adviser to Defence Minister. During the visit, they held discussions with MoD on a proposed MoU for institutionalizing the defence engagement. A Draft MOU has been shared by the Timorese side and it is under consideration with MoD. The CDF and Adviser met with Indian CDS, CNS and Special Secretary, MoD during the event. 

(xi) Minister of State of External Affairs Dr. Rajkumar Ranjan Singh (MoS) paid an official visit to Timor-Leste from September 30-October 2, 2023, the first ministerial-level visit from India to Timor-Leste since 2018. During the visit, MoS called on President Jose Ramos-Horta and Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao and discussed ways to further strengthen bilateral ties and cooperation in the fields of health, agriculture, trade, hydrocarbons, pharmaceuticals, education and capacity building. He also held talks with Foreign Minister Mr. Bendito Dos Santos Freitas, and Minister of Trade and Industry, Mr. Filipus Nino Pereira and discussed how both countries can add momentum to bilateral cooperation, development partnership and capacity building. MOS also attended a detailed briefing on the health sector of the country at the WHO resident office in Dili. He also interacted with members of the Indian community and Indian professionals working in international organisations in Timor-Leste.

(xii) Minister of Health of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste Dr. Elias Antonio de Araujo dos Reis Amaral along with a 5-member delegation, visited India to participate in the 76th meeting of WHO Regional Committee held from 30 October to 2 November 2023 in New Delhi. The WHO Regional Committee for South-East Asia is the WHO’s governing body in the South-East Asia Region. It has representatives from all its 11 Member States Bangladesh, Bhutan, North Korea, India, Indonesia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Timor-Leste. The Regional Committee meets annually to review progress in health development in the Region, formulate resolutions on health issues for Member States, and review past resolutions. It also adopts resolutions and makes decisions that guide the work of the Regional Office and country offices for the coming year.

(xiii) The 2nd Voice of Global South Summit (VOGSS 2.0) Foreign Ministers’ session was held in virtual format on 17 November 2023.   Mr. Bendito dos Santos Freitas, Foreign Minister of Timor-Leste participated in the Foreign Ministers’ Session of VOGSS 2.0.

(xiv) Prime Minister Narendra Modi met the President of Timor-Leste in Gandhinagar on January 09, 2024. He held a bilateral meeting with José Ramos-Horta on the sidelines of 10th Vibrant Gujarat Summit. PM Modi inaugurated the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2024 at Mahatma Mandir, Gandhinagar. The theme of the summit was ‘Gateway to the Future’ to celebrate “20 Years of Vibrant Gujarat as the Summit of Success”. The Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit was started in 2003 under the then CM of Gujarat Narendra Modi.

(xv) India hosted the 3rd Voice of Global South Summit on 17 August 2024 with the overarching theme of "An Empowered Global South for a Sustainable Future”. This unique initiative began as an extension of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's vision of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas aur Sabka Prayas’. It envisaged bringing together countries of the Global South to share their perspectives and priorities on a common platform across a whole range of issues such as conflicts, food and energy security crises, climate change - all of which disproportionately affect developing countries in a severe manner. H.E. Mr. Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, Prime Minister of Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste was among the leaders who took part in the 3rd Voice of Global South Summit 2024 on 17th August 2024.

(xvi) Hon’ble Rashtrapatiji, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, visited Timor-Leste on the first-ever visit by an Indian Head of State to this country on 10-11 August 2024. During her visit, she met President José Ramos-Horta and Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão. Both leaders discussed opportunities for enhancing bilateral cooperation between India and Timor-Leste on wide-ranging topics. President Horta conferred the highest civilian award of Timor Leste ‘Grand-Collar of the Order of Timor-Leste’ upon Hon’ble Rashtrapatiji. India and Timor-Leste signed three MoUs on: (i) Cultural Exchange Program for the years 2024-2028, (ii) Collaboration between Prasar Bharati and ‘Timor-Leste Radio & Television’ (RTTL), & (iii) Exemption from visa requirement for holders of diplomatic, official and service passports.

(xvii) Shri Pabitra Margherita, Minister of State for External Affairs met Mr. Bendito Freitas, Foreign Minister of Timor-Leste in the margins of ASEAN-India Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Kuala Lumpur on 11 July 2025. They discussed ongoing bilateral cooperation for further strengthening the Delhi-Dili partnership. MOS(PM) thanked Timor-Leste for solidarity with India in its fight against terrorism. 

Cultural cooperation

(i) A 12-member cultural group (“Fundacao Cultural Le-Ziaval”) from Timor-Leste visited India to participate in the Lusophone Cultural Week held in Goa from 04-06 Dec. 2022. This was first such participation by a Timorese Cultural troupe in an Indian event. The visit was sponsored by the Government of India, as part of India’s commitment to the objectives of CPLP (Community of Portuguese Speaking Countries) which India joined in July 2021. 

(ii) Another team of 17-members consisting cultural artistes and artisans visited India from 02-20 February 2023 to participate in Surajkund Mela 2023. The group also visited Dilli Haat in Delhi for an exposure on the making and marketing of handicrafts. Government of India bore the cost of airfare as well as local hospitality for the visit.

(iii) A Goan Folk Group, under ICCR programme, visited Dili from 17-18 February 2023. The event was attended by more than 150 people including senior Officials of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation and other Timorese Ministries, Members of diplomatic corps and international agencies, Members of Indian community and friends of India. This was the first event of its kind in Timor-Leste in recent past. A workshop was also arranged for the Goan folk group at UNPAZ (Universidade da Paz) at Dili on February 17, 2023 which was attended by the vice rector, head of the department and more than 100 students of UNPAZ.

Capacity Building and Development Cooperation

Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in January 2003, India and TL have been cooperating at bilateral, regional and international levels. India has been offering economic, technical and capacity building assistance to TL through the following projects:

(i) Capacity Building: India extends 15 ITEC training slots and 02 ICCR scholarships every year to Timor-Leste. Since 2007, 18 Timorese candidates have benefited from these trainings. Between 2011-2020, 11 Timorese armed forces personnel (07 from Army and 04 from Navy) have undergone ITEC-I training in India. Mission is making efforts to increase the enrolment for ITEC courses from Timor-Leste.

(ii) Cooperation in Health Sector and supply of Ambulance: A fully equipped Ambulance unit which can serve as a mobile operation theatre was formally handed over to the Health Ministry of TL in January 2016. The Ambulance was funded by MEA at a cost of US$ 70,620/. Additional equipment for the Ambulance – Anesthesia Machine and Patient Monitor – were supplied to Timor Leste in July 2017.  

(iii) Timor-Leste Center for Bamboo: The “Establishment of Bamboo Skills Development and Demonstration Centre in TL” project began with support from the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) in October 2004. With a total budget of US$1 million, the project was completed in March 2012. The Cane and Bamboo Technology Centre (CBTC) in Assam, India, provided technical expertise as a partner. The project's goal was to develop bamboo as a successful industry sector in Timor-Leste and to raise awareness of its potential. To achieve this, a skills development center was created to train craftsmen. Today, the institute operates under the name ‘Timor-Leste Center for Bamboo.’

(iv) Project under IBSA Fund: The project, “Conservation Agriculture, Permaculture and Sustainable Fisheries Management: Enhancing Food and Nutrition Security and Reducing Risk Disaster” in TL was funded by IBSA for a total cost of US $ 1.4 million. The project was developed by FAO in TL along with 2 NGOs - “naTerra’ and “Conservation International” - under the supervision of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries of TL, was implemented in the remote part of the Atauro Island of Timor-Leste. As a part of the project, Sustainable Agriculture & Permaculture Learning Centre was formally inaugurated by Minister of Agriculture & Fisheries and Ambassador of India to Indonesia on 11 April, 2019 at Atecru, in Atauro Island. The Centre serves as a learning centre for sustainable agriculture and natural resources conservation and development, thereby enhancing productivity in agricultural, horticultural and fisheries sector of the Island.

(v) Project under India–UN Development Partnership Fund : The project titled, “Leveraging ICT to improve Education and Skills in Timor Leste” was launched on a pilot basis on 10 April, 2019 in Oécusse Enclave of Timor-Leste by Dr Mari Alkatiri, President of Special Administrative Region of Oécusse and Special Zones for Social Market Economy of Timor-Leste, Mr Roy Trivedy, Resident Coordinator of UN and Ambassador of India to Indonesia on 10th April, 2019. The project aims at enhancing IT literacy in schools, with a coverage of 12 schools, both through IT innovation labs and mobile IT innovation vans.

(vi) Government of India extended humanitarian assistance in the form of 2000MT of rice to Government of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, in the aftermath of Cyclone Seroja which caused widespread destruction in the country. The consignment of 2000 MT of rice was officially handed over to Timorese Government by Ambassador of India to Indonesia in May 2022.

(vii) 12 diplomats from Timor-Leste attended the 1st Special Course for diplomats from Timor Leste organized by Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service (SSIFS) from 20-29 September 2023. The Special Course was inaugurated on 20 September 2023 by Shri Gaddam Dharmendra, Dean (SSIFS). The Special Course included modules on global issues, bilateral relations, India’s Foreign Policy, Overview of India’s e-Governance platforms, Climate Change and LiFE, development partnership & cooperation, and Holistic Healthcare with a focus on Ayurveda and Yoga. The participating diplomats visited the International Solar Alliance Secretariat, the All India Institute for Ayurveda, the Rashtrapati Bhawan, Confederation of Indian Industry, Pradhanmantri Sanghralaya and National Museum.

(viii) The MoU between India and Timor-Leste signed on cooperation in the field of healthcare and public health signed on 07 April 2018 had expired in April 2023. The same has been renewed for a further period of 05 years.

(ix) Government of India had offered to set up a Center for Excellence in Information Technology (CEIT) in Dili, Timor-Leste. Government of Timor-Leste has allocated space in Hera Campus of National University of Timor-Leste (UNTL) for setting up the center. Government of Timor-Leste is identifying the courses and the trainers who will undergo advance training in Indian institutes. 

(x) In line with the capacity-building assistance extended by the Government of India, the Mission facilitated participation of three young delegates in the 5th ASEAN-India Youth Summit, held in Goa from 28–31 August 2025. Additionally, a young diplomat from Timor-Leste participated in the 3rd Global South Young Diplomats Forum (GSYDF), organized by SSIFS in New Delhi from 8–19 September 2025. Furthermore, one soldier from Timor-Leste underwent training under the NDA-154 course, which was scheduled from 30 June 2025 to 30 May 2028. Also, a journalist from Timor-Post (local newspaper) was sent to India for the Media Familiarization visit.

(xi) In September 2025, the Government of India has proposed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Timor-Leste to finance five Quick Impact Projects (QIPs), each valued at up to US$50,000, totaling an annual commitment of US$250,000.

(xii) Supply of Rabies vaccine: Owing to a serious outbreak of rabies in several municipalities of Timor Leste, Ministry of Health, Government of Timor Leste has requested Govt. of India to provide 10000 Rabies vaccine and 2000 Rabies immunoglobulins for human use. The same has been supplied to the Government of Timor Leste in November 2025.

Bilateral Trade

Timor-Leste continued to import a significant amount of goods to meet its needs. In 2024, goods imports on a cost, insurance, and freight (CIF) basis increased by 12.5% compared to 2023, reaching $923.2 million, up from $820.8 million in 2023. Non-oil exports increased to $21 million in 2024, a 21.7% rise from $17.3 million in 2023. Coffee remained the primary export commodity in 2024, accounting for $17.8 million, while other products such as kemiri (candlenut), konjac, copra, and others contributed the remaining $3.2 million. India has extended duty free access to import of products from TL as part of its Duty Free Tariff Preference (DFTP) Scheme for LDCs. The Scheme grants tariff preferences to export of products originating in TL. The volume of bilateral trade during last three Financial Years is  given below:

(Source: Department of Commerce, India)

Defence Cooperation

There has been intensive engagement with MoD and Armed Forces of Timor-Leste. Following Defence Attache interactions with the CDF, Vice CDF, Adviser to Defence Minister and other Timorese officials fresh ITEC Training slots have been created for the Armed Forces Personnel and these are under consideration in the search for suitable candidates. The CDF of TL was briefed by the Mission during his visit to Jakarta in December 2022 and gave extensive presentations about the Indian defence industry and concepts of 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' and 'Make in India, Make for the World'. Based on this, the CDF led a delegation to India for Aero India in Feb 2023 along with Senior Adviser to Defence Minister who pursued the dialogue for considering an MoU between both MoD for institutionalizing defence engagement in the future. The CDF and Adviser met with Indian CDS, CNS and Spl Secy MoD during the event and also attended all engagements like the SPEED DM Conclave and Bandhan event. They were also introduced to products from BEL and other industries.  

Navy Component Commander of Timor Leste led a delegation to India to attend Aero India 2025, from 10-13 Feb 2025 at Bengaluru. On the sidelines of the event, bilateral meeting was held between Deputy Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Tarun Sobti and Navy Component Commander, Cmde Higino das Neves.

Indian Community in Timor-Leste : 

There are approximately 300 Indian nationals currently residing in Timor Leste. This includes the Indian students (approx. 170) who arrived in Timor Leste in early 2025 and are studying in medical universities in Timor Leste. Some Indians are also part of the faculty in these universities. Indians are working as advisors in various Ministries, UN agencies and international donors in Timor-Leste. Some Indians are entrepreneurs and are engaged in trading and restaurant business.  

The Indian community in Timor Leste has formed a friendship society called ‘Association of Indians in Timor Leste’ in February 2017. 

---- as on 06 Dec. 2025