Merchandise, Services and Non-Petroleum Exports Reach Historic Highs as India Strengthens Position in Global Trade
Chandigarh (Economy India): India’s export sector achieved a historic milestone in the financial year 2025-26, with the country’s total exports reaching an all-time high of USD 863 billion, showcasing the growing strength, resilience, and diversification of the Indian economy.
The figures were announced by Nitin Kumar Yadav, Additional Secretary at the Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry, during a convention attended by exporters, industry associations, and farmer producer organizations in Chandigarh.
The latest export performance highlights India’s expanding footprint in global markets and underscores the success of policy initiatives aimed at boosting manufacturing, services, agriculture, and trade competitiveness.
Exports Nearly Double Over the Last Decade
According to official data, India’s total exports increased from USD 468 billion in FY 2014-15 to USD 863 billion in FY 2025-26, registering a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.7 percent.
The remarkable growth reflects India’s ability to diversify its export basket, improve production capabilities, and tap new international markets despite global economic uncertainties, geopolitical tensions, and supply-chain disruptions.
Officials noted that sustained policy support, improved logistics infrastructure, digitization of trade processes, and stronger global demand for Indian products and services have contributed significantly to this achievement.
Merchandise Exports Continue Strong Performance
India’s merchandise exports rose from USD 310 billion in FY 2014-15 to USD 442 billion in FY 2025-26, demonstrating steady growth across several key sectors.
Engineering goods, electronics, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, automobiles, textiles, agricultural products, and gems & jewellery remained among the major contributors to export earnings.
The government’s focus on manufacturing through initiatives such as Make in India, Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes, and export promotion policies has helped Indian companies become more competitive in global markets.
Industry experts believe that rising investments in manufacturing capacity and improved supply-chain efficiency have further strengthened India’s export potential.
Services Exports Emerge as a Key Growth Engine
One of the most significant contributors to India’s export success has been the services sector.
According to the Commerce Ministry, services exports surged from USD 158 billion in FY 2014-15 to USD 421 billion in FY 2025-26, recording an impressive CAGR of 9.3 percent.
India continues to dominate global markets in information technology (IT), software services, business process management, consulting, financial services, healthcare, education, and digital solutions.
The rapid growth of the digital economy and increasing global demand for technology-driven services have positioned India as one of the world’s leading exporters of services.
Analysts believe the country’s strong talent pool and technological capabilities will continue driving growth in this segment.
Non-Petroleum Exports Reach New High
Another major highlight was the record performance of non-petroleum exports, which touched USD 387.9 billion during FY 2025-26.
The strong growth in non-petroleum exports indicates that India’s export performance is becoming increasingly diversified and less dependent on energy-related products.
A broad export base spanning manufacturing, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, engineering goods, and technology services has enhanced the country’s resilience against fluctuations in global commodity prices.
Commerce Ministry officials said the achievement reflects the increasing sophistication and competitiveness of Indian industries.
Export Growth Strengthens Economy
Exports play a vital role in India’s economic growth by generating employment, attracting foreign investment, improving industrial productivity, and increasing foreign exchange earnings.
A strong export sector also helps businesses scale operations, access new markets, and integrate into global value chains.
Economists note that sustained export growth will be crucial for India as it aims to become a USD 5 trillion economy and strengthen its position among the world’s leading economic powers.
The record export figures are expected to provide further momentum to economic growth, industrial expansion, and job creation.
Government Focus on Expanding Global Trade
The government continues to pursue multiple initiatives aimed at boosting exports and improving India’s global trade competitiveness
(Economy India)
