<p>The main aim of this study was to assess the combining ability and gene action governing important phenological, structural and yield-related traits through line × tester mating design in okra. Nine fixed lines, three testers along with twenty-seven F₁ hybrids were used to study the combining ability for six phenological and structural traits viz., days to 50% flowering, days to first picking, first fruit producing node, nodes per plant, internodal length, plant height and six yield and related traits viz., fruit length, fruit diameter, average fruit weight, fruits per plant, fruit yield per plant and harvest duration in okra (<i>Abelmoschus esculentus</i> (L.) Moench). Significant differences were recorded among hybrids and female × male interaction for all the traits except harvest duration. Females and males showed significant differences for most of the traits studied. Lines Palam Round, HPO-1 and 9801, while Hisar Unnat among testers were good general combiners for yield and related traits. Cross-combinations viz., HPO-1 × P-8, Palam Round × Hisar Unnat, Kashi Pragati × Palam Komal, 9801 × P-8 and Kashi Vibhuti × Hisar Unnat were good specific combiners for fruit yield. Non-additive gene action was found for all the traits studied except plant height and harvest duration. Therefore, based on the genetic regulation of these features, selection or hybridization can be used to improve them. These cross-combinations can also be released as hybrids after further field testing and their exploration in future breeding programmes. To better understand the genetic processes behind trait inheritance and improve the effectiveness of hybrid development in okra, future studies may also concentrate on molecular characterization and marker-assisted selection.</p>