The Minister emphasised that signing trade agreements is only the first step. Industry must now intensify efforts to penetrate new markets, upgrade product quality and enhance competitiveness. He said India’s legacy as a trading nation dates back centuries and the new FTAs can accelerate the country’s journey towards becoming a developed nation under the Viksit Bharat vision.
“Our trade deals will strengthen Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s mantra of ‘Vikas bhi, Virasat bhi’ by combining economic growth with preservation of traditional strengths,” he noted.
Relief from US Tariffs Boosts Confidence
Industry representatives expressed appreciation for the government’s role in concluding trade engagements with the United States, particularly the removal of the additional 25 percent tariff on Indian imports. The tariff rollback followed a United States Executive Order dated February 6, 2026, restoring competitive access for Indian exports.
Export bodies noted that the United States remains one of India’s largest export destinations. Sectors previously affected by tariff measures including gems and jewellery, textiles and apparel, carpets, leather and footwear, marine products, handicrafts, engineering goods and chemicals said the development has renewed business confidence and safeguarded employment in labour-intensive industries.
Wide Industry Participation
The interaction saw participation from major export bodies such as the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO), Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC), Engineering Export Promotion Council (EEPC India), CHEMEXCIL, TEXPROCIL, MATEXIL, Carpet Export Promotion Council (CEPC), Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH) and several agricultural export bodies including APEDA and SEAI.
Leading industry chambers such as FICCI, ASSOCHAM, NASSCOM and PHDCCI also attended, alongside MSME and sourcing associations.
Export Promotion Mission Gains Momentum
The Ministry presented updates on the Export Promotion Mission (EPM), the government’s flagship framework aimed at strengthening India’s export ecosystem. Measures already rolled out include enhanced trade finance access through interest subvention for export credit loans and collateral guarantees for MSME exporters.
Officials informed industry leaders that additional steps related to export logistics, compliance simplification, branding and market diversification will be introduced in phases to further ease business operations.
India as a Trusted Global Supply Partner
Reaffirming the government’s commitment, Shri Goyal said India is positioning itself as a reliable and trusted global supply partner. By leveraging FTAs and strengthening domestic manufacturing capabilities, the country aims to deepen integration with global value chains.
The Minister concluded by urging exporters to seize emerging opportunities, innovate continuously and work collaboratively with the government to drive sustained export growth and job creation.