Thursday 04 / December / 2025
New Delhi: India’s export sector is experiencing one of its strongest phases in recent history, marking a new chapter of confidence, growth, and global competitiveness.
The first half of FY26 has set new benchmarks, with exports reaching record highs in both quarters and culminating in the highest-ever export performance for the first six months of any financial year.
This remarkable achievement underscores the vigour of India’s trade ecosystem, the success of recent reforms, and the country’s growing relevance in global commerce.
A record-breaking start to FY26
The year began with extraordinary momentum. In the first quarter of FY26, spanning April to June 2025, India’s overall exports reached USD 209.0 billion, exceeding the previous year’s figure of USD 202.5 billion for the same period.
This rise demonstrates the improved competitiveness of Indian goods and services and reflects the strengthening of the country’s position in global value chains.
The surge in Q1 highlights the growing efficiency of supply chains within India, supported by significant upgrades in logistics, port capacity, and export facilitation measures that have made it easier for exporters to reach global markets.
The first quarter also saw substantial contributions from both the merchandise and services sectors. India’s services exports have consistently shown resilience and innovation, particularly in information technology, consulting, fintech, and digital solutions.
Meanwhile, merchandise exports benefited from rising shipments of engineering goods, electronics, pharmaceuticals, and agricultural produce. Together, they created a balanced and robust export performance that set the stage for an even stronger second quarter.
Q2 marks the highest-ever July–Sept export performance
The second quarter of FY26, covering July to September 2025, further strengthened India’s export narrative. Total exports for the quarter rose to USD 209.9 billion, the highest ever recorded for any Q2 in India’s trade history.
This represents a significant increase from USD 193.2 billion in the corresponding quarter of the previous year, signalling a broad-based recovery and expanding export capacity across multiple sectors.
India’s performance in Q2 was driven by notable growth in smartphone shipments, backed by the country’s expanding electronics manufacturing base and the continued success of the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes.
Agricultural exports also played a key role, supported by stable monsoon conditions that strengthened output and ensured steady supplies. At the same time, services exports maintained their upward trajectory, with global demand for India’s technology-driven and knowledge-based solutions remaining strong.
Even as several competing economies saw contractions in their export volumes, India stood out as a country capable of riding global uncertainties with confidence.
This sharp rise in Q2 illustrates not only the competitiveness of the Indian industry but also the trust India enjoys among global trading partners.
Highest-ever H1 exports reflect structural strength
Together, the performances of Q1 and Q2 resulted in India achieving its highest-ever half-yearly exports in the first half of FY26.
From April to September 2025, the country’s total exports reached USD 418.9 billion, marking a 5.86 per cent rise from USD 395.7 billion during the same period in 2024.
This milestone reflects a consistent and well-distributed expansion across sectors and firmly establishes India as an increasingly significant player in global trade.
These numbers highlight the resilience and transformation of India’s export ecosystem, supported by sustained investments in infrastructure, digitisation of trade processes, and policy measures designed to promote high-growth sectors.
The modernisation of logistics networks, the strengthening of port connectivity, and the rollout of digital solutions for customs and documentation have significantly reduced inefficiencies and accelerated export operations.
Meanwhile, targeted incentives for sectors such as electronics, pharmaceuticals, renewable energy equipment, textiles, and engineering goods continue to enhance India’s export readiness.
Rising competitiveness in a complex global landscape
India’s export success becomes even more notable when viewed against the backdrop of global challenges. Several major economies witnessed stagnation or declines in exports in 2025 due to uneven demand recovery, currency fluctuations, and inflationary pressures.
India’s ability to outperform global trends demonstrates how effectively it has diversified its export basket, tapped into high-value segments, and strengthened its manufacturing and services capabilities.
The country’s improved competitiveness stems from a combination of dynamic policy support, expanding domestic capacity, and increasing global confidence in India as a reliable trade partner.
The PLI schemes have been particularly influential, enabling large-scale manufacturing across sectors such as smartphones, electronics components, pharmaceuticals, and electric mobility solutions.
Meanwhile, India’s technology-driven services sector continues to be a global leader, accounting for a significant share of the country’s export earnings.
India’s commitment to innovation, quality enhancement, and trade facilitation has steadily improved its image in world markets.
This has enabled the country to enter new markets, deepen ties with existing trade partners, and emerge as a dependable supplier during times of global rebalancing.
A promising path ahead for the rest of FY26
With the strong momentum from H1, India is well-positioned to continue its robust export performance through the remainder of FY26.
Seasonally strong months ahead, combined with the sustained demand for Indian services, expanding electronics production, and stable agricultural supply, point to a promising trajectory.
Policy measures that continue to focus on ease of doing business, enhanced logistics efficiency, and digital trade facilitation provide exporters with a supportive environment that encourages innovation and expansion.
The government’s efforts to secure new trade partnerships, modernise trade agreements, and support exporters through dedicated schemes ensure that the export ecosystem remains poised for sustained growth.
As Indian businesses grow more globally integrated and internationally competitive, the country’s ability to expand its export footprint will only strengthen further.
A confident leap forward in global trade leadership
India’s record performance in H1 FY26 is more than a reflection of economic strength; it is a demonstration of the country’s evolving identity as a major global trading power.
The highest-ever quarterly and half-yearly export numbers highlight the resilience, adaptability, and competitiveness of Indian industries, as well as the effectiveness of strategic reforms undertaken in recent years.
The data tells a compelling story of a nation that is not just participating in global trade but shaping it.
With its expanding production capacities, robust services ecosystem, and forward-looking policy support, India is steadily accelerating toward a future where its role in global trade is stronger than ever.
India’s export success in FY26 is a testament to national ambition, economic transformation, and global trust—and it marks a confident step toward a more prosperous and influential future for the country on the world stage.
