Export Push Accelerates: Government Expands Global FTAs, Launches ₹25K Crore Mission to Diversify Trade

Export Push Accelerates: Government Expands Global FTAs, Launches ₹25K Crore Mission to Diversify Trade​

The government has rolled out a multi-pronged strategy aimed at strengthening India's export markets and diversifying its global trade footprint. These initiatives encompass the expansion of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), major regulatory reforms, and dedicated promotion activities across various sectors. The comprehensive measures are designed to enhance market access and address non-tariff barriers in evolving geopolitical landscapes.

The policy focus is on facilitating bilateral growth through mutually beneficial trade. FTAs signed by India provide preferential market access for labor intensive products such as textiles, apparel, and leather goods. These agreements aim to create a balanced, equitable framework that boosts industrial growth and generates employment opportunities.

Expanding Global Trade Partnerships Through Comprehensive Agreements​

India has significantly advanced its network of trade accords in recent periods. Completed treaties include the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation and Partnership Agreement (CECPA) with Mauritius (2021), India-UAE CEPA (2022), and the Ind-Aus ECTA (2022). Furthermore, agreements have been established with Oman and the UK, while ratification is underway for the New Zealand FTA.

Negotiations are actively progressing across several key global partners to secure expanded market access. These negotiations include FTAs with Eurasia Economic Union (EAEU), Peru, Chile, Israel, and Maldives, alongside a CEPA negotiation with Canada. India has also been engaged in the ongoing EU FTA negotiations and an Interim Agreement framework agreement with the USA.

Fueling Exports: The ₹25,060 Crore Export Promotion Mission​

To bolster export competitiveness, especially among Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), the government has introduced key support mechanisms. The Export Promotion Mission (EPM) was launched in 2025, backed by a total outlay of ₹25,060 crore spanning FY 2025-26 to FY 2030-31.

The EPM operates through two integrated sub schemes. NIRYAT PROTHSAHAN focuses heavily on improving trade finance access, offering instruments such as export factoring, collateral guarantees for export credit, and credit enhancement support. Meanwhile, NIRYAT DISHA concentrates on vital trade enablers like international branding, market intelligence, logistics, and quality compliance training.

Decentralized Promotion and E-Commerce Export Hubs​

The government is driving a decentralized approach to export growth through several focused initiatives. The District Export Hub (DEH) initiative provides a critical district level framework, requiring local authorities to identify and prioritize 3-5 products or services with high export potential for targeted interventions. Simultaneously, the pilot implementation of the E-Commerce Export Hub (ECEH) is creating an integrated ecosystem to streamline logistics and customs clearances specifically for cross-border e-commerce exports.

The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises has also established 65 Export Facilitation Centers (EFCs). These centers are dedicated to providing necessary mentoring and hands-on support to MSMEs aspiring to enter international markets. To boost industry capacity further, the International Cooperation (IC) Scheme is in place to help MSMEs attend global exhibitions, fairs, and buyer seller meets abroad.

Regulatory Reforms Simplify Exporting and Logistics​

Several critical regulatory adjustments have been made to reduce compliance burden and streamline export operations for smaller businesses. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has significantly relaxed the export reconciliation requirements for small-value exports up to ₹10 lakh. This relaxation allows exporters to close transactions in the Export Data Processing and Monitoring System (EDPMS) based on declarations furnished by banks.

Reforms have also addressed logistics challenges, particularly for cross-border e-commerce exports. CBIC Notification No. 33/2026 has simplified reverse logistics by facilitating the re-import of rejected and returned goods. Furthermore, the removal of the ₹10 lakh consignment value limit for courier mode exports broadens participation in this market segment.

Complementing these operational changes are two major financial schemes. The Refund of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) Scheme aims to refund duties and taxes borne on exported products. Additionally, the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan (NMP) has been launched to facilitate data-based decisions for integrated multimodal infrastructure planning, aiming to reduce logistics costs across the board.