New Delhi, Dec 10 (NationPress) India’s overall exports of goods and services have soared to an unprecedented $418.91 billion during the period of April to September 2025, marking a 5.86% increase compared to the previous year. This surge reflects the strong momentum established in the last financial year, ending on March 31, as reported by the Commerce Ministry in a year-end review released on Wednesday.

The review highlights that India’s trade performance during the first half (H1) of FY 2025-26 is the highest export achievement on record, despite ongoing global uncertainties.

This exemplary performance follows the nation’s remarkable total exports of merchandise and services reaching $825.25 billion in 2024-25, which exhibited a 6.05% growth over the previous fiscal year.

The services sector has been a key driver, achieving $387.54 billion in 2024-25, demonstrating a 13.63% growth. This upward trend has continued into the current fiscal year, with services exports increasing to $199.03 billion from April to September 2025, reflecting a 9.34% rise compared to the same timeframe last year.

Merchandise exports remained consistent in 2024-25 at $437.70 billion, while non-petroleum exports surged to a record $374.32 billion, marking a 6.07% growth. The positive trend persisted in the current fiscal year, with merchandise exports climbing to $219.88 billion from April to September 2025, up by 2.90% from the previous year, as noted in the review.

Key contributors to exports during April-September 2025 include Electronic Goods (41.94%), Engineering Goods (5.35%), Drugs and Pharmaceuticals (6.46%), Marine Products (17.4%), and Rice (10.02%), all of which have significantly propelled India’s export momentum.

India’s primary export markets include the United States (13.34%), United Arab Emirates (9.34%), China (21.85%), Spain (40.30%), and Hong Kong (23.53%), each showing substantial growth in the first half of FY 2025-26 compared to the same period last year.

This year also saw the launch of the Government’s ambitious Export Promotion Mission (EPM), with a total budget of ₹25,060 crore allocated for FY 2025-26 through FY 2030-31. This initiative is designed in collaboration with the Department of Commerce, Ministry of MSME, Ministry of Finance, and other key stakeholders, aiming to enhance India’s global trade landscape, according to the review.

The Mission signifies a strategic transition from multiple fragmented schemes to a unified, outcome-focused, and adaptable framework, capable of responding quickly to global trade challenges and the evolving needs of exporters, as explained by the ministry.

Additionally, the Department of Commerce has advanced its Digital Transformation agenda to enhance trade facilitation and intelligence via data-driven solutions. Initiatives like Trade eConnect and the Trade Intelligence and Analytics (TIA) portal provide a robust foundation for evidence-based decision-making across all stakeholders.

Other measures undertaken by the Centre to stimulate exports include a research and development grant for five years aimed at promoting indigenous production of LGD seeds and machinery, which has been approved and initiated at IIT Madras, yielding promising results.

The review further emphasizes that India’s global economic partnerships have gained substantial traction this year through a series of recent trade agreements that are transforming its export dynamics.

The groundbreaking India–UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) allows duty-free access for 99% of Indian exports, setting the groundwork for bilateral trade to potentially reach $100 billion by 2030. Beyond the UK, India has expanded its reach through strategic agreements such as the UAE–India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), the Australia–India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA), and the pact with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA).

Furthermore, India is currently in negotiations for Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with several key nations and regions. These collaborations are unlocking new opportunities across various sectors while enhancing India’s integration into global value chains.