Export promotion mission to prioritise landlocked states: Piyush Goyal

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has announced that India’s new Rs 25,060-crore Export Promotion Mission will include dedicated initiatives to strengthen the export capabilities of landlocked states, which often face inherent logistical disadvantages. He made the remarks during the fourth meeting of the Board of Trade (BoT).

Goyal emphasised that closer coordination between the Centre and states is essential for accelerating export growth, adding that the government will incorporate state-level feedback to design practical, timely solutions to emerging trade challenges. The BoT, revamped in 2019, serves as the government’s highest advisory body on matters related to the Foreign Trade Policy.

Approved on November 12, the Export Promotion Mission—spanning six years from 2025–26—aims to help exporters navigate rising global uncertainties, including steep tariff barriers imposed by the United States. The mission consists of two major components: Niryat Protsahan, with an allocation of Rs 10,401 crore, and Niryat Disha, which carries a budget of Rs 14,659 crore.

Goyal noted that states such as Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Jharkhand and Telangana will receive focused support to overcome structural challenges linked to their landlocked status. He reiterated that India’s export push is now anchored in market diversification, modern logistics, MSME empowerment and wider adoption of technology—key elements for strengthening participation in global value chains.

The minister also encouraged states to share best practices in areas such as Ease of Doing Business and streamlined single-window clearance systems. The recent extension of the Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) scheme until March 31, 2026, he said, offers exporters much-needed predictability.

Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agarwal highlighted the ministry’s broader agenda, which includes expanding digital public infrastructure for trade, enhancing inter-agency coordination and improving the speed of resolving trade issues.

The meeting saw participation from ministers and senior officials from the Centre and states, Export Promotion Councils, industry bodies and exporters. It took place against the backdrop of weakening trade performance: India’s exports fell sharply by 11.8% in October to USD 34.38 billion, while the trade deficit widened to a record USD 41.68 billion due to a surge in gold imports. For April–October of the current fiscal, exports edged up 0.63% to USD 254.25 billion, while imports climbed 6.37% to USD 451.08 billion.