Context and objectives
Export Promotion Mission to Boost Indian Trade: India has rolled out a Rs 25,000 crore Export Promotion Mission (EPM) for 2025–2031, announced in the Union Budget 2025-26. The scheme is designed to give a strong push to exporters, particularly micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The initiative comes in response to global trade uncertainties, especially the US decision to double tariffs to 50% on several Indian goods including textiles, footwear, chemicals, and leather products.
Static GK fact: Petroleum products are India’s single largest export commodity.
Structure of the mission
EPM is divided into two major components – Niryat Protsahan and Niryat Disha. Niryat Protsahan, with over Rs 10,000 crore allocation, is focused on financial assistance, interest equalisation, and new credit products such as a special credit card for digital exporters. On the other hand, Niryat Disha, with an outlay of around Rs 14,500 crore, will drive efforts in branding, compliance with international quality standards, overseas warehousing, logistics, and new market access.
Static GK fact: India was the 17th largest exporter of goods in the world in 2023.
Institutional support
The implementation of EPM brings together several ministries and institutions. The Department of Commerce, Ministry of MSME, Finance Ministry, Exim Bank, and ECGC are central to its functioning. Support will also come from state governments, industry associations, export promotion councils, and commodity boards, making it a wide-reaching collaborative effort.
Static GK Tip: ECGC provides insurance cover to Indian exporters against risks of non-payment from overseas buyers.
Addressing tariff concerns
The US tariff hike in August 2025 has created fresh hurdles for Indian businesses. To mitigate the impact, the government has advanced EPM activities. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has held high-level meetings to address funding shortages faced by exporters. Priority is being given to building stronger supply chains and reducing over-dependence on the US market.
Static GK fact: The US and India reached record bilateral trade of USD 118 billion in 2023.
Expanding global outreach
As part of its long-term strategy, India plans to engage with 40 countries, including Germany, Japan, the UAE, the UK, Canada, and Australia. The mission’s diversification agenda seeks to establish India as a reliable global supplier of sustainable products. Export Promotion Councils will play a crucial role in connecting Indian exporters with buyers in these markets.
Static GK fact: The UK was one of the first countries to sign an early harvest trade deal with India.
Recent export performance
Indian exports registered a 7.29% increase in July 2025, reaching USD 37.24 billion after consecutive months of decline. Despite this rise, the trade deficit expanded to USD 27.35 billion, the highest in eight months. From April to July 2025-26, exports recorded a 3.07% growth, while imports increased by 5.36%. Policymakers expect the EPM to help maintain export momentum and balance trade pressures in the coming years.
Static GK Tip: The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) manages India’s import-export regulations.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Export Promotion Mission to Boost Indian Trade:
| Topic | Detail |
| Mission launch | Export Promotion Mission 2025–2031 worth Rs 25,000 crore |
| Budget announcement | Union Budget 2025-26 |
| US tariff hike | Increased to 50% in August 2025 |
| Sub-schemes | Niryat Protsahan (Rs 10,000 crore), Niryat Disha (Rs 14,500 crore) |
| Key ministries | Commerce, MSME, Finance, Exim Bank, ECGC, state governments |
| Export diversification | Outreach to 40 countries including UAE, UK, Japan |
| Export rebound | 7.29% growth in July 2025 to USD 37.24 bn |
| Trade deficit | USD 27.35 bn in July 2025, eight-month high |
| Export growth (Apr-Jul 2025-26) | 3.07% to USD 149.2 bn |
| Import growth (Apr-Jul 2025-26) | 5.36% to USD 244.01 bn |
