India needs strong export push

To boost exports, India needs infrastructure upgrades (ports, logistics), deeper integration into Global Value Chains (GVCs) for high-tech goods, better trade agreements (FTAs), focused policy support (finance, R&D, skill development), and streamlined processes like customs/duty reforms, alongside leveraging digital tech for market access and capacity building, especially for MSMEs and non-traditional sectors.

India has identified close to 300 products across engineering goods, pharmaceuticals, agriculture and chemicals that offer significant opportunities for Indian exporters to expand their presence in the Russian market, a senior official told PTI. The exercise comes as New Delhi and Moscow work towards the bilateral trade target of $100 billion by 2030.

In 2025, the Government launched the Export Promotion Mission (EPM) — a major structural reform designed to consolidate fragmented export schemes into one adaptive, outcome-based mechanism.

India is pushing for a major shift in how its agricultural goods enter global markets — through new Mutual Recognition Agreements with the US, EU, UK, Singapore, Switzerland and ASEAN. These pacts could reduce rejections, cut compliance costs and open premium markets for products like rice, spices, tea, coffee and marine exports. With FDA and EU refusals rising, India is moving fast to fix non-tariff barriers and secure smoother access for nearly half of its farm exports. Here’s why MRAs matter now, how they could reshape agri-trade, and what exporters stand to gain.

The modernization of ports and logistics corridors, along with the digitization of customs systems, has reduced turnaround times considerably. Even support systems around DAP and DAPs, improved work with IOR services, and clarity in Exporter of Record processes have made cross-border transactions smoother. Also, investment in the trade system, greater clarity on Importer of Record responsibilities, and efforts to simplify trade-related documentation are strengthening exporters’ trade.

India needs a Digital Transformation to leverage digital tools for trade finance, market intelligence, and compliance. The government needs to support MSMEs with certification, branding, and market access. There is also a need to identify and promote opportunities in emerging markets (like Russia for engineering/agri) and diversify away from single markets. Government should correct inverted duty structures to lower input costs for exporters. There is a need to revamp SEZs (e.g., through the DESH Act) to attract investment.

By focusing on these areas, India aims to build a robust, diversified, and globally competitive export ecosystem

India currently exports only $1.7 billion worth of these products to Russia, compared to Russia’s total imports of $37.4 billion in the same categories. “This stark disparity demonstrates the substantial complementary export space India can target,” the official said, adding that enhanced shipments could also help narrow India's trade deficit with Russia, which stands at $59 billion.

On the export front, agriculture and allied items continue to offer strong traction. India currently exports $452 million worth of products in this segment to Russia, against Russia’s global import demand of $3.9 billion. Engineering goods show an even wider gap, with India’s exports at $90 million versus Russia’s $2.7 billion import requirement—an opportunity that widens as Russia diversifies away from China. Chemicals and plastics tell a similar story: India supplies $135 million, while Russia imports $2.06 billion.

Pharmaceuticals remain a particularly high-value corridor. India exports $546 million of pharma products to Russia, while Russia’s import bill stands at $9.7 billion, giving Indian generics and APIs meaningful headroom for growth.