India has reported a decline in coal imports for the period from April 2024 to February 2025, with total imports reaching 220.3 million tonnes (MT), down from 242.6 MT in the same period the previous year. This represents a 9.2% decrease in coal imports, resulting in foreign exchange savings of approximately $6.93 billion.

The Non-Regulated Sector, which excludes the power sector, saw a more substantial drop in coal imports, with a decline of 15.3% year-on-year. While coal-based power generation grew by 2.87% during this period compared to the previous year, imports for blending by thermal power plants experienced a sharp decrease of 38.8%. This indicates India's ongoing efforts to reduce reliance on imported coal for power generation.

To support these efforts, India has implemented several initiatives aimed at boosting domestic coal production, including Commercial Coal Mining and Mission Coking Coal. These measures have helped increase domestic coal output by 5.45% from April 2024 to February 2025, compared to the same period in the previous year.

These efforts reflect India's strategy to enhance self-sufficiency in coal production and reduce dependence on imports, thereby saving foreign exchange and strengthening the country's energy security.