India posts record first-half exports in FY 2025–26, underscoring strong resilience amid global volatility

India’s export sector has delivered its strongest-ever performance in the first half of FY 2025–26, demonstrating remarkable stability and competitiveness at a time when global economic conditions remain fragile. Parliament was informed on Tuesday that the country not only achieved all-time high export levels in the first quarter but repeated the feat in the second, setting a new benchmark for quarterly export achievements.

According to Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jitin Prasada, India’s total exports from April to September 2025 reached $418.6 billion, up from $395.7 billion in the corresponding period last year. The 5.8% growth marks the best April–September performance India has ever recorded.

Despite this momentum, exports in October 2025 experienced a slight dip. The ministry attributed the decline to an unusually strong base in October 2024 — the highest October export month on record — rather than any structural weakness in the current year’s performance.

Prasada told the Lok Sabha that India’s external trade strength is underpinned by policy credibility, sustained reforms and active engagement with global partners. He highlighted improvements in logistics efficiency, enhanced port capacity and government-led export facilitation measures as key factors behind the robust showing. “Production-Linked Incentive schemes have significantly boosted manufacturing competitiveness, while the services sector continues to anchor export growth,” he noted.

The government also updated Parliament on India’s expanding network of trade agreements. Over the past five years, India has concluded five major Free Trade Agreements — with Mauritius, the United Arab Emirates, Australia, the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) and the India–United Kingdom FTA, which will take effect after ratification. These deals, the ministry said, are the result of sustained negotiations and diplomatic engagement, helping reinforce long-term economic partnerships.

With strong half-year results and continued policy support, officials expressed confidence that India’s export sector is well positioned to navigate global volatility while capitalising on emerging opportunities in world markets.