Did India Achieve the Highest Exports Ever in H1 FY26?
Synopsis
India's export sector is thriving in FY 2025–26, achieving record highs despite global market uncertainties. With a remarkable $418.6 billion in exports for the first half of the financial year, India showcases its resilience and competitive edge. Discover the strategies behind this impressive growth and its implications for the economy.
Key Takeaways
Record Exports: India achieved $418.6 billion in exports in H1 FY 2025–26.
Growth Rate: The growth rate stands at 5.8% compared to the previous year.
Strong Export Ecosystem: Structural reforms and logistical improvements contribute to export growth.
Trade Agreements: Five major FTAs have been signed in the last five years.
Resilience: India’s export sector shows strong performance despite global uncertainties.
New Delhi, Dec 9 (NationPress) In FY 2025–26, India’s export landscape has showcased immense resilience and global competitiveness, even amidst ongoing uncertainties in international markets. The country has achieved its highest-ever quarterly exports during both Q1 and Q2 of this financial year, as reported to Parliament on Tuesday.
In the first half of FY 2025–26, spanning from April to September 2025, overall exports soared to $418.6 billion, up from $395.7 billion during the same timeframe last year, according to Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, Jitin Prasada, in a written statement to Lok Sabha.
This signifies a remarkable growth of 5.8 percent, marking the most robust half-year export performance in India's history.
The Ministry indicated that India's export momentum remains strong, despite a brief decline in October 2025.
Exports in October were slightly reduced due to an exceptionally high base from October 2024, which recorded the best export performance for that month.
The minister emphasized that India's export strategy is founded on credibility, resilience, and proactive global engagement.
He noted that high-level visits and negotiations with partner nations are continuously enhancing economic relations and delivering long-term benefits, despite short-term fluctuations.
“India's export ecosystem has gained from structural reforms, enhanced logistics, increased port capacity, and focused export facilitation initiatives,” Prasada stated.
“Production-Linked Incentive schemes have significantly bolstered manufacturing competitiveness, while services exports continue to be a crucial component of our external sector,” he added.
Regarding trade agreements, the Government informed Parliament that five significant Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) have been established in the last five years.
These include agreements with Mauritius, the UAE, Australia, the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), and the India–UK trade pact, which will take effect post-ratification.
The Ministry elaborated that such agreements involve ongoing negotiations and reciprocal visits, fostering trust and enhancing economic collaboration.
Point of View
It is crucial to recognize India’s export achievements as a testament to the nation's resilience and adaptability in a fluctuating global market. This performance not only enhances India's economic standing but also reflects the ongoing efforts to build robust international relationships through strategic trade agreements. The nation stands poised for continued growth in its export capabilities, benefiting from structural reforms and proactive policies.
NationPress
9 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What were India's export figures for H1 FY26?
India's overall exports in the first half of FY 2025–26 reached $418.6 billion, a rise from $395.7 billion in the same period last year.
What factors contributed to India's export growth?
India's export growth can be attributed to structural reforms, improved logistics, increased port capacity, and Production-Linked Incentive schemes that enhance manufacturing competitiveness.
What are the recent Free Trade Agreements signed by India?
In the last five years, India has signed five major FTAs with Mauritius, the UAE, Australia, the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), and the India–UK trade pact.
How did the exports perform in October 2025?
Exports in October 2025 experienced a slight dip due to a high base from October 2024, which recorded the best performance for that month.
What is the significance of India's export strategy?
India's export strategy focuses on credibility, resilience, and active global engagement, ensuring that economic ties are strengthened through high-level visits and negotiations.
