Chickpea (*Cicer arietinum* L.), encompassing both desi and kabuli varieties, is a globally cultivated pulse crop with a rich history and diverse nutritional and health benefits. Cultivation spans over 50 countries, from the Indian subcontinent to the Americas, and is a significant source of carbohydrates and protein, contributing 80% of its dry seed mass. Research has extensively explored the rhizobial diversity associated with chickpea, with four notable species—*Mesorhizobium ciceri*, *M. mediterraneum*, *M. muleense*, and *M. weniiniae*—being isolated from chickpea root nodules. Other species, such as *M. amorphae*, *M. loti*, *M. tianshanense*, *M. oportunistum*, *M. abyssinica*, and *M. shonense*, have also been identified as potential symbionts. The geographic distribution of these rhizobia is influenced by factors such as genetic characteristics, competitiveness, and evolutionary adaptation to local soil conditions. Inoculating chickpea with suitable rhizobia strains is crucial for introducing the crop to new regions lacking indigenous rhizobia, enhancing yield and seed quality. The introduction of novel chickpea varieties, coupled with effective rhizobia inoculation, offers the potential to boost crop productivity in rotation and intercropped systems, contributing to sustainable agriculture globally.Chickpea (*Cicer arietinum* L.), encompassing both desi and kabuli varieties, is a globally cultivated pulse crop with a rich history and diverse nutritional and health benefits. Cultivation spans over 50 countries, from the Indian subcontinent to the Americas, and is a significant source of carbohydrates and protein, contributing 80% of its dry seed mass. Research has extensively explored the rhizobial diversity associated with chickpea, with four notable species—*Mesorhizobium ciceri*, *M. mediterraneum*, *M. muleense*, and *M. weniiniae*—being isolated from chickpea root nodules. Other species, such as *M. amorphae*, *M. loti*, *M. tianshanense*, *M. oportunistum*, *M. abyssinica*, and *M. shonense*, have also been identified as potential symbionts. The geographic distribution of these rhizobia is influenced by factors such as genetic characteristics, competitiveness, and evolutionary adaptation to local soil conditions. Inoculating chickpea with suitable rhizobia strains is crucial for introducing the crop to new regions lacking indigenous rhizobia, enhancing yield and seed quality. The introduction of novel chickpea varieties, coupled with effective rhizobia inoculation, offers the potential to boost crop productivity in rotation and intercropped systems, contributing to sustainable agriculture globally.