India’s Exports Expected to Grow 6 Per Cent This Year

19 Sep 2025 CW Team

Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal on Wednesday stated that India’s exports are expected to grow by around 6 per cent this year, ultimately concluding on a positive note.

“India’s exports would grow by around 6 per cent this year compared to the corresponding period last year. I believe we will end the year on a positive note,” Goyal said in Mumbai.

His remarks come amid concerns over the United States’ plan to impose a 50 per cent tariff on Indian goods, including a 25 per cent duty on imports linked to Russian oil.

In FY25, India’s exports reached a record $824.9 billion, up 6.01 per cent from $778.1 billion in the previous year. Outbound shipments rose 6.7 per cent year-on-year to $35.1 billion in August, despite steep US tariffs.

Goyal added that discussions on free trade agreements (FTAs) are advancing with several countries, while domestic consumption continues to support growth.

“With the European Union, we had productive discussions in the last round. Their agriculture and trade commissioners visited Delhi, and the talks made rapid progress. Another virtual or physical round may follow soon,” he said.

The EU, India’s largest trading bloc partner in goods, recorded bilateral trade of $137.5 billion in FY24, nearly a 90 per cent increase over the past decade. The bloc is seeking significant duty reductions on vehicles, medical devices, wine, spirits, and dairy products, while India is pressing for greater access for its textiles, pharmaceuticals, steel, and petroleum products, according to an EU official. Talks were held last week in New Delhi. Separately, the European Commission announced its new “strategic agenda,” covering security, trade, technology, space, and migration, while exploring the creation of an EU-India Security and Defence Partnership.

On India’s trade pact with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Goyal described it as the fastest free trade agreement concluded globally. He noted that the UAE acts as a gateway to Africa, the Gulf, and Eastern Europe and remains a key trading partner.

“There is significant investment interest from the UAE into India. I am confident this partnership will strengthen further,” he said. He added, “India’s growing strength and the journey from a $4 trillion economy to a $30 trillion-plus economy during Amritkal show that India is the place to do business. The world wants to work closer with India.”

On employment, Goyal stated: “We have recently reported the lowest unemployment rate at 5.1 per cent. While some highlight unemployment concerns, companies such as Larsen & Toubro have informed me they struggle to complete projects on time due to labour shortages. Even L&T’s IT subsidiary is actively seeking staff.”

The latest Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) data indicates a declining jobless rate, supported by the start of the sowing season following a stronger-than-normal monsoon.

Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal on Wednesday stated that India’s exports are expected to grow by around 6 per cent this year, ultimately concluding on a positive note.“India’s exports would grow by around 6 per cent this year compared to the corresponding period last year. I believe we will end the year on a positive note,” Goyal said in Mumbai.His remarks come amid concerns over the United States’ plan to impose a 50 per cent tariff on Indian goods, including a 25 per cent duty on imports linked to Russian oil.In FY25, India’s exports reached a record $824.9 billion, up 6.01 per cent from $778.1 billion in the previous year. Outbound shipments rose 6.7 per cent year-on-year to $35.1 billion in August, despite steep US tariffs.Goyal added that discussions on free trade agreements (FTAs) are advancing with several countries, while domestic consumption continues to support growth.“With the European Union, we had productive discussions in the last round. Their agriculture and trade commissioners visited Delhi, and the talks made rapid progress. Another virtual or physical round may follow soon,” he said.The EU, India’s largest trading bloc partner in goods, recorded bilateral trade of $137.5 billion in FY24, nearly a 90 per cent increase over the past decade. The bloc is seeking significant duty reductions on vehicles, medical devices, wine, spirits, and dairy products, while India is pressing for greater access for its textiles, pharmaceuticals, steel, and petroleum products, according to an EU official. Talks were held last week in New Delhi. Separately, the European Commission announced its new “strategic agenda,” covering security, trade, technology, space, and migration, while exploring the creation of an EU-India Security and Defence Partnership.On India’s trade pact with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Goyal described it as the fastest free trade agreement concluded globally. He noted that the UAE acts as a gateway to Africa, the Gulf, and Eastern Europe and remains a key trading partner.“There is significant investment interest from the UAE into India. I am confident this partnership will strengthen further,” he said. He added, “India’s growing strength and the journey from a $4 trillion economy to a $30 trillion-plus economy during Amritkal show that India is the place to do business. The world wants to work closer with India.”On employment, Goyal stated: “We have recently reported the lowest unemployment rate at 5.1 per cent. While some highlight unemployment concerns, companies such as Larsen & Toubro have informed me they struggle to complete projects on time due to labour shortages. Even L&T’s IT subsidiary is actively seeking staff.”The latest Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) data indicates a declining jobless rate, supported by the start of the sowing season following a stronger-than-normal monsoon.

Infrastructure Urban

14 Jan 2026

PM Modi Engages Youth at Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the concluding session of the second edition of the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue (VBYLD) 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, marking the culmination of the four-day event on National Youth Day. The programme coincided with the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda and witnessed enthusiastic participation from young leaders across the country.Interacting with the youth, the Prime Minister said that many participants were not yet born when he first took oath as Chief Minister, and were still children when he assumed office as Prime Minister in 2014..

Infrastructure Urban

14 Jan 2026

India’s Skilling System Shifts to Unified, Outcome-Led Framework

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Minister of State for Education Jayant Chaudhary chaired the first General Body Meeting of the National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET) at Kaushal Bhawan, New Delhi. Addressing the meeting, the Minister said that India’s skilling ecosystem is undergoing a paradigm shift from fragmented systems to a unified, outcome-oriented framework aligned with education, industry and future technologies, with NCVET playing a central role in making the transition credible, transparent and learn..

Infrastructure Transport

14 Jan 2026

25th All India Major Port Cultural Meet Concludes at Paradip

The 25th All India Major Port Cultural Meet 2025–26 concluded on a grand note on January 11 at Jayadev Sadan, Paradip Port, after four days of vibrant cultural performances and artistic celebrations. The event was organised by the Paradip Port Authority (PPA) in association with the Major Ports Sports Control Board and brought together cultural talent from major ports across the country.The valedictory ceremony was graced by P L Haranadh, Chairman, Paradip Port Authority, as the Chief Guest. Addressing the gathering, Shri Haranadh congratulated all participating artistes for their captivatin..