New Delhi, September 20 (Daily Kiran) : India has experienced a notable increase in exports during the first quarter of the financial year 2026-27, thanks to its free trade agreements (FTAs) with partner countries. Exports to Singapore and Sri Lanka have more than doubled, while shipments to ASEAN nations surged by over 60%. This trend indicates that the trade agreements are beginning to yield tangible results, according to a recent report.
An article published in Tanzania’s newspaper, The Guardian, highlights that India’s expanding network of trade agreements is rapidly converting negotiated market access into real export growth. In the previous financial year, 2025-26, India’s total exports reached an unprecedented $863.1 billion, comprising $441.8 billion in goods and $421.3 billion in services.
The report reveals that the latest figures from FTA partner countries show that India is not only increasing its export volume but also leveraging preferential trade arrangements to enhance its market presence. According to the Ministry of Commerce, during April to June 2026, exports to Singapore rose by an impressive 101.2%, totaling $6.52 billion compared to $3.24 billion in the same period last year.
Sri Lanka saw an even more significant increase, with exports climbing 123.8% to $2.35 billion, up from $1.05 billion. The ASEAN region also reported robust growth, with India’s exports rising 61.6% to $14.61 billion in the first quarter of FY 2026-27, compared to $9.04 billion during the same period in 2025.
Exports to Malaysia increased by 75.2% to $2.54 billion, while shipments to Australia rose by 25.2% to $2.68 billion. Exports to South Korea and Japan grew by 22.6% and 22.4%, reaching $1.95 billion and $1.75 billion, respectively. Additionally, exports to Oman and Nepal increased by 26.4% and 18.1%, totaling $1.39 billion and $2.28 billion, respectively. Bhutan and Thailand also recorded increases of 16.1% and 6%.
Recent trade agreements concluded by India include the India-UAE CEPA, India-Australia ECTA, India-EFTA TEP, India-Oman CEPA, and India-UK CET. India has also finalized an FTA with New Zealand, which is currently in the process of being implemented. Negotiations with the European Union concluded in January 2026.
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