India Exports Surge to Unprecedented Levels

(MENAFN) Indian trade reached unprecedented levels during the opening half of the fiscal year, defying mounting tariff pressures from Washington, government figures revealed.

Outbound shipments climbed 5.86% year-over-year between April and September, hitting a record $418.91 billion, the Commerce Ministry reported Wednesday.

"India's export performance was strongly supported by export destinations including USA (13.34%), United Arab Emirates (9.34%), China (21.85%), Spain (40.30%), and Hong Kong (23.53%), each registering robust growth during April-September 2025 as compared to same period last year," the ministry stated.

Washington imposed 50% duties on Indian goods in August, with half representing punitive measures targeting New Delhi's Russian oil purchases.

Indian authorities have rejected condemnation of their Russian energy acquisitions, asserting that the nation's fuel strategy prioritizes domestic interests.

New Delhi is currently pursuing trade agreements with approximately a dozen nations and economic blocs, including the United States and European Union.

Services drove the majority of expansion during the April-September window, generating $199.03 billion in exports—a 9.34% increase compared to the prior-year period.

Days earlier, US President Donald Trump threatened additional levies against India, claiming the country was flooding American markets with rice.

The trade statistics emerged as a US delegation headed by Deputy US Trade Representative Rick Switzer conducted negotiations with Indian officials in New Delhi.

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