<p>In the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR), agroforestry has become an essential land-use strategy that combines ecological preservation with socio-economic progress. This research presents an extensive bibliographic review of current studies on agroforestry in the IHR, emphasizing significant patterns, thematic areas, and existing research gaps. Through a review of peer-reviewed journals, books, reports, and conference papers, we have identified key themes such as environmental sustainability, socio-economic benefits, biodiversity conservation, and policy frameworks. Our analysis highlights the broad acknowledgment of agroforestry’s benefits in the region while also pointing out ongoing challenges, including policy limitations, the effects of climate change, and issues related to land ownership. Substantial gaps in research, especially concerning the long-term evaluation of agroforestry’s effects and the involvement of local communities in policy development is recognized as a major factor impeding agroforestry success in the region. The conclusions drawn from this review provide important insights for future research and policy measures aimed at improving agroforestry practices in the IHR.</p> Graphical abstract <p></p>