This article sets out the economic relationship between India and Costa Rica: the value and content of trade, Indian companies present in Costa Rica, the Indian vehicles sold and assembled there, the visits that have promoted commercial ties, and India's development assistance. Its source is the MEA bilateral brief dated June 2026.

Trade figures and goods traded

According to the MEA brief of June 2026, bilateral trade remains modest. India-Costa Rica trade stood at US$ 338.87 million in 2024-25.

India's principal imports from Costa Rica comprise:

  • wood and wood products
  • integrated circuits
  • pulp
  • iron and steel
  • edible nuts
  • coffee

India's exports to Costa Rica include chemicals, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, organic chemicals, rubber and plastics.

Indian companies in Costa Rica

The brief states that Costa Rica hosts a significant Indian corporate and IT presence. Indian information-technology firms with a presence there include Infosys, HCL, L&T Infotech and Wipro.

UPL established Costa Rica as its Central-Latin America headquarters in 2019, and Mahindra and Muthoot also have local investments.

In May 2026, Feuji, a global Indian IT and deep-tech company, inaugurated a new office centre in Costa Rica, which the brief says reflects growing commercial and technology cooperation. The office was opened by Minister of State for External Affairs Shri Pabitra Margherita during his visit for the presidential inauguration.

Vehicles and manufacturing

The brief says Costa Rica's environment-friendly policies have supported Indian automotive exports. Duty-free electric-vehicle import incentives, extended through 2024, made possible the earlier arrival of 50 Reva electric cars. Mahindra Scorpio SUVs are imported in small batches, and Bajaj two- and three-wheelers are assembled locally by MASESA.

Havells' former Latin American headquarters and factory in Costa Rica were sold in 2014 and now operate as Feilo Sylvania.

Trade and business visits

Several visits recorded in the brief have focused on trade and technology:

  • March 2012: Minister for Foreign Trade Ms. Anabel González, with 25 Costa Rican entrepreneurs, visited India to take part in IndiaSoft 2012 in Hyderabad. She held meetings with the Commerce Secretary, FICCI, CII and NASSCOM.
  • March 2013: Ms. Anabel González visited India again.
  • April 2013: Minister of State for Commerce & Industry Smt. D. Purandeswari led a CII delegation to Costa Rica.
  • February 2015: Minister of Foreign Trade Mr. Alexander Mora was a guest speaker at the NASSCOM Leadership Forum in Mumbai.
  • October 2015: Second Vice-President Ms. Ana Helena Chacón Echeverría, with Minister Mora, took part in the 6th India-Latin America and Caribbean Conclave in New Delhi.

Trade promotion and sectors identified

The Costa Rica India Association (CRIA) organises trade-promotion activities, alongside social and cultural events, in collaboration with the Indian Embassy.

During the Vice-President of India's visit in March 2019, the areas identified for cooperation were eco-tourism, space, biotechnology, renewable and solar energy, ICT and e-governance, urban transport, e-vehicles, biosimilars and healthcare.

India's development assistance

The brief lists the following Indian assistance to Costa Rica:

  • 1996: relief assistance of US$ 25,000 for flood victims.
  • 1997: photovoltaic equipment worth Rs. 1.85 million, donated under the ITEC programme to establish a solar-energy research laboratory at the University of Heredia.
  • 1998: a telephone exchange donated to the Costa Rican telecom operator ICE.
  • December 2005: 18 Bajaj three-wheelers for the San José police department.
  • November 2010: US$ 100,000 for relief and rehabilitation following Hurricane Tomas.

ITEC training for Costa Rican officials is covered in the culture and education article.