Release and purpose
Trade Watch Quarterly Highlights India Rising Export Strength: NITI Aayog released the sixth edition of Trade Watch Quarterly for Q2 FY26 (July–September 2025) in New Delhi. The report was unveiled by Vice-Chairman Suman Bery in the presence of Member Arvind Virmani. It provides a structured assessment of India’s export performance, global trade developments, and sector-specific opportunities.
The publication serves as a policy guide for strengthening India’s global trade position. It also identifies strategic sectors that can accelerate India’s transition toward a high-value export economy.
Static GK fact: NITI Aayog was established on January 1, 2015, replacing the Planning Commission. Its headquarters is located in New Delhi, and it functions as India’s premier policy think tank.
Export performance remains strong
India’s total exports, including goods and services, recorded an impressive growth of around 8.5% in Q2 FY26. Export expansion outpaced imports, contributing to stable trade growth despite global economic uncertainties.
Globally, services trade continued to outperform goods trade. India’s strong performance reflects its growing competitiveness in sectors such as IT services, manufacturing, and electronics. This trend strengthens India’s integration with emerging markets and developing economies.
Static GK Tip: India is currently among the top 20 global exporters, with services exports playing a dominant role in foreign exchange earnings.
Electronics emerging as a key export pillar
The report highlights electronics exports as a major contributor to India’s trade transformation. Electronics has become the second-largest category in India’s export basket, reflecting rapid industrial expansion.
India’s share in global electronics demand grew at a compound annual growth rate of 17.2% between 2015 and 2024, significantly higher than the global average of 4.4%. Electronics exports surged nearly fivefold, reaching USD 42.1 billion in 2024.
Major export destinations include the United States, United Kingdom, and United Arab Emirates, indicating strong international demand for Indian electronic products. Mobile phones, communication equipment, and consumer electronics are the primary growth drivers.
Static GK fact: The United States is India’s largest export destination, accounting for a significant share of merchandise and electronics exports.
Government policy support strengthening manufacturing
To support electronics manufacturing, the Union Budget allocated ₹40,000 crore under the Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme. This initiative promotes domestic value addition and reduces dependence on imports.
Future growth areas identified include semiconductor assembly, printed circuit board design, embedded systems, and power electronics. These sectors are critical for strengthening India’s position in global technology supply chains.
Integration into global value chains remains essential for sustained export growth. Policy reforms focused on tariff rationalisation and logistics improvement are expected to enhance India’s competitiveness.
Role of e-commerce in boosting exports
India has emerged as one of the top six global e-commerce markets, with electronics accounting for nearly half of online retail sales. E-commerce platforms are enabling small businesses to access global markets.
E-commerce exports are projected to contribute 20–30% of India’s merchandise exports by 2030. Improved logistics, digital infrastructure, and increased participation by MSMEs will support this growth.
Static GK fact: India has over 63 million MSMEs, which contribute around 30% of GDP and 45% of exports, making them essential to export expansion.
Strategic importance for India’s economic growth
The report confirms that electronics and digital trade will drive India’s future export expansion. Strengthening manufacturing capabilities and technological expertise will ensure long-term trade sustainability.
Improved logistics efficiency, skill development, and global integration will help India emerge as a leading global export hub. Electronics is expected to remain a key pillar of India’s industrial and economic transformation.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Trade Watch Quarterly Highlights India Rising Export Strength:
| Topic | Detail |
| Report name | Trade Watch Quarterly Sixth Edition |
| Released by | NITI Aayog |
| Release period | Q2 FY26 July to September 2025 |
| Export growth | Around 8.5 percent increase |
| Key export sector | Electronics second-largest export category |
| Electronics export value | USD 42.1 billion in 2024 |
| Major export destinations | United States, United Kingdom, UAE |
| Budget support | ₹40,000 crore Electronics Manufacturing Scheme |
| Future growth sectors | Semiconductor assembly, embedded systems, power electronics |
| E-commerce export projection | 20 to 30 percent of merchandise exports by 2030 |
