Archive · 19 Nov 2025
India's Trade: Opportunities, Challenges, and Future Strategies
India's trade has grown, but imports are outpacing exports, especially in textiles.
To stay competitive, India needs to adapt to global shifts like regionalisation, climate-focused trade, and digitalisation.
It should aim for competitiveness with purpose, sustainability with scale, and inclusivity with intent.
India's exports grew significantly since 2010, but imports grew faster
Trade deficit with ASEAN increased substantially, especially in textiles
India's textile exports face barriers in ASEAN despite zero-duty access
India's exports reached record highs in FY 2024-25, driven by services and merchandise
Global trade shifts require India to adapt its export strategy
- Who
- India and its trading partners
- What
- Navigating global trade shifts and adapting export strategies
- When
- Since 2010, with a focus on the coming decade
- Where
- Global markets, with a focus on regional trade blocs
- Why
- To achieve equitable market access, unlock trade potential, and lead in global trade
Indian Exporters
ASEAN Countries
Textile Market Access
Indian Exporters
Face barriers despite zero-duty access
ASEAN Countries
May have concerns about market disruption
- Total Exports in FY 2024-25
- USD 824.9 billion
- Services Exports in FY 2024-25
- USD 387.5 billion
- Merchandise Exports (excluding petroleum) in FY 2024-25
- USD 374 billion
- India's Exports Growth (2010-2023)
- 1.7x in textiles, 2.2x overall
- Trade Deficit with ASEAN in 2023
- USD 27.2 billion
Sources
India Should Explore Underutilised Opportunities of Exports With ASEAN: Exim Bank
India's Current Account Deficit Expected to Rise To 1.7% Of GDP In FY26 Due To Persistent Tariff Pressures: Union Bank Report
Carbon Walls, Digital Borders, Trade Blocs: India's Exports Need A New Playbook
India's current account deficit likely to widen to 1.7% of GDP in FY26 amid ongoing tariff pressures: report
