India Exports Set for Positive Growth in 2025-26 Despite Global Headwinds
India Exports Set for Positive Growth in 2025-26 Despite Global Headwinds
Commerce ministry officials say exports will finish 2025-26 on a positive note, with defence exports hitting a record, even as global headwinds persist.
India's exports are expected to post positive growth in 2025-26 despite global headwinds and tariff frictions. The year is on track to end with momentum as merchandise exports hold up even amid geopolitical tensions.
In February, merchandise exports dipped 0.81% year-on-year to $36.61 billion, while cumulative exports from April 2025 to February 2026 rose 1.84% to $402.93 billion. Imports during the same period grew 8.53% to $713.53 billion, narrowing the trade deficit to $310.60 billion compared with a year earlier. Goods and services exports in 2024-25 stood at $825 billion.
Separately, defence exports surged to a record Rs 38,424 crore in 2025-26, a 62.7% rise, driven by shipments of missiles, artillery and aircraft to more than 80 countries. This milestone highlights growing global confidence in India's indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities.
Taken together, these developments point to a broader shift as India broadens its export base and strengthens strategic sectors.
