The Indian Commerce Ministry is set to engage with exporters this week to advance its ambitious Export Promotion Mission, aimed at diversifying the nation's export portfolio and strengthening its global market presence, according to sources cited by NDTV Profit. These consultations, spanning two to three days, will involve industry leaders from critical sectors like chemicals, gems and jewellery, and textiles. The discussions will focus on reducing reliance on a limited range of products and markets while mapping out strategies to penetrate new regions.

As part of this initiative, India plans to roll out targeted outreach programs in 40 countries, with a special emphasis on European markets such as the UK, Spain, Germany, and Italy. These efforts will include trade fairs, buyer-seller meets, and tailored promotional campaigns to showcase Indian products. The push comes at a critical time, as India's merchandise exports face challenges from geopolitical tensions and volatile commodity prices. Compounding these issues, the United States has imposed a 50% tariff on Indian goods effective August 27, 2025, including a 25% punitive tariff linked to India's Russian oil purchases, impacting over USD 48 billion in exports, particularly in textiles, leather, and machinery.

The Export Promotion Mission is designed to provide exporters with enhanced market intelligence and support to navigate these challenges. By fostering sector-specific strategies and leveraging platforms like the Services Export Promotion Council (SEPC) and CAPEXIL, the government aims to boost competitiveness. For instance, CAPEXIL has been instrumental in promoting chemical and allied product exports, organizing events like the Indian Pavilion at KHIMIA 2025 in Moscow to connect exporters with global buyers. Similarly, the SEPC facilitates service sector exports through buyer-seller meets and international trade fairs.

Also Read: India Plans Rs 25,000 Crore Export Boost to Counter US Tariffs

This strategic pivot also aligns with India’s broader trade goals, including the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), which is expected to open new avenues for chemical and textile exporters. However, experts warn that high tariffs and trade barriers, such as the recent US tariffs, could divert trade benefits to competitors like China and Vietnam. To counter this, the Commerce Ministry is exploring ways to streamline export processes and reduce trade barriers in regions like sub-Saharan Africa and Gulf nations, alongside strengthening ties with European markets.

The urgency of these efforts is underscored by the need to offset the impact of tariffs and maintain export momentum. With the government’s focus on digital tools like the Bharat Startup Knowledge Access Registry (BHASKAR) Portal and Trade Connect ePlatform, exporters are gaining access to real-time market insights and simplified compliance mechanisms. These initiatives, coupled with robust stakeholder engagement, signal India’s commitment to transforming its export landscape.

Also Read: India Plans Rs 25,000 Crore Export Boost to Counter US Tariffs