India’s exports of goods and services have crossed $714.73 billion during April to January of FY 2025-26, registering a $36 billion increase compared with $679.02 billion in the same period of FY 2024-25. The rise of 5.26 per cent, as reported in the Lok Sabha by Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Shri Jitin Prasada, highlights the country’s ability to maintain steady trade growth amid global uncertainties, supply chain disruptions, and fluctuating commodity prices.
Over the long term, India’s export trajectory has remained robust. Between FY 2021-22 and FY 2024-25, exports recorded a compound annual growth rate of 6.9 per cent, climbing from $497.90 billion in 2020-21 to $828.25 billion in 2024-25. This growth reflects a diversified export base that combines traditional strengths with emerging, technology-driven sectors, positioning India as a reliable and resilient player in global commerce.
Building a Competitive Export Ecosystem
India’s export momentum is underpinned by strong policy frameworks and targeted support mechanisms. The Foreign Trade Policy 2023 serves as a flexible roadmap for exporters, focusing on trade facilitation, export promotion, state-level partnerships, and digital integration. The Roadmap Scheme complements this by removing taxes on exports, ensuring Indian goods remain competitive on the global stage.
The recently launched Export Promotion Mission 2 (EPM 2), with a budget of ₹25,060 crore from FY 2025-26 to FY 2030-31, further strengthens this ecosystem. Its dual pillars—Export Promotion, which enhances trade finance and credit access, and Export Direction, which improves logistics, warehousing, quality, branding, and market readiness—focus particularly on micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), enabling them to compete effectively internationally.
Mitigating Export Risks Amid Geopolitical Tensions
Acknowledging heightened risks in the Gulf and West Asia maritime corridor, the government has implemented a time-limited “relief” scheme under the EPM through the Export Credit Guarantee Corporation of India (ECGC). This initiative provides exporters with risk-mitigation support, safeguarding trade continuity. The ECGC works alongside the Trade Infrastructure Scheme, strengthening export-related infrastructure across the country.
Digital Platforms Driving Efficiency
India’s export administration is being transformed by technology. Platforms such as the 24×7 EIC interface, Trade Intelligence and Analytics Platform, Common Digital Platform for Certificates of Origin, and Trade e-Connect portal enable real-time compliance updates, digital certification, and fully online processing. These tools make trade more transparent, efficient, and accessible to all exporters.
Expanding Global Market Access
Active trade diplomacy complements domestic reforms. India maintains 19 free trade agreements, and since 2021 has advanced eight key deals. The India-European Union Free Trade Agreement offers near-complete access to EU markets, while agreements with the United Kingdom, New Zealand, and Oman enhance market access, services mobility, and investment. Ongoing negotiations with Israel, Canada, GCC countries, Chile, and Peru aim to open high-value trade corridors.
India’s export strategy demonstrates a comprehensive, forward-looking approach that combines fiscal incentives, digital facilitation, institutional reforms, and proactive global engagement. By creating a resilient, technology-driven, and competitive trade ecosystem, India is shaping global markets rather than merely participating in them.
