Overview India’s total exports of merchandise and services grew to USD 714.73 billion in FY 2025‑26 (April‑January), a rise of 5.26% over the previous fiscal year. The increase reflects a broad‑based expansion despite global uncertainties, supply‑chain disruptions and volatile commodity prices. To sustain this momentum, the government is strengthening the export ecosystem through policy reforms, financial incentives and digital infrastructure. Key Developments Implementation of the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2023 , built on four pillars: trade facilitation, export promotion, state‑level partnerships and digital integration. Continuation of the RoDTEP scheme to neutralise embedded taxes on exports. Launch of the Export Promotion Mission (EPM) 2 , comprising Niryat Protsahan (trade finance) and Niryat Disha (logistics and market access). Introduction of the time‑limited ‘RELIEF’ Scheme to address export risks from geopolitical tensions. Strengthening of risk‑cover mechanisms via the Export Credit Guarantee Corporation (ECGC) and the Trade Infrastructure for Export Scheme (TIES) . Expansion of digital trade facilitation through platforms like 24×7 EIC interface , Trade Intelligence & Analytics , Common Digital Platform for Certificates of Origin and Trade e‑Connect , enabling end‑to‑end online processing. Intensified trade diplomacy: 19 FTAs signed, with eight major agreements advanced since 2021, including the India‑EU FTA, India‑EFTA TEPA, and pacts with New Zealand, Oman and the UK. Important Facts Exports grew from USD 679.02 bn (FY 2024‑25) to USD 714.73 bn (FY 2025‑26) in the Apr‑Jan period. Compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of exports from FY 2021‑22 to FY 2024‑25 was 6.9% , rising from USD 497.90 bn to USD 828.25 bn . EPM’s outlay of Rs 25,060 crore will be spent over six years to boost MSME competitiveness. The RELIEF Scheme targets export risks linked to the Gulf‑West Asia maritime corridor, a critical route for Indian trade. UPSC Relevance Understanding India’s export strategy is essential for GS III (Economy & International Trade). The article illustrates how policy instruments ( FTP‑2023 ), fiscal incentives ( RoDTEP ), and risk‑mitigation mechanisms ( ECGC ) are coordinated to enhance export performance. The digital platforms reflect India’s move towards e‑governance, a topic in GS II (Governance) and GS III (Technology). Moreover, the aggressive FTA negotiations tie into international relations and trade diplomacy, relevant for GS II and GS III. Way Forward To consolidate export growth, the government should: Deepen digital integration across customs, logistics and certification to reduce transaction costs. Expand credit guarantee coverage under ECGC for MSMEs, especially in high‑value sectors. Accelerate implementation of the TIES projects to address logistics bottlenecks. Leverage the EPM to build export‑ready clusters and improve product quality standards. Continue proactive trade diplomacy to secure market access, especially in emerging economies, and to diversify export destinations. These steps will help India transition from a volume‑driven exporter to a high‑value, technology‑enabled global trade partner.