Government Expands FTAs, Export Promotion Measures to Diversify Export Markets

The Ministry of Commerce & Industry announced a suite of measures to diversify India’s export markets. It is expanding the network of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and Comprehensive Economic Partnership/Cooperation Agreements (CEPAs/CECAs) with countries such as the UAE, Australia, the UK, New Zealand and others, and is negotiating additional FTAs with the EU, USA, and several other nations. The Export Promotion Mission (EPM), launched in 2025 with a ₹25,060 crore outlay for FY 2025‑31, operates through two sub‑schemes – NIRYAT PROTHSAHAN (trade finance) and NIRYAT DISHA (quality, branding, logistics). Pilot E‑Commerce Export Hub, District Export Hub (DEH) initiative, and recent customs notifications simplify courier‑mode exports and reverse logistics, while the RoDTEP scheme refunds duties on exported products. These steps aim to boost market access, reduce non‑tariff barriers, and enhance competitiveness of MSMEs and other exporters.