New Delhi — India’s exports to several free trade agreement (FTA) partner countries have recorded strong growth in the first quarter of 2026-27, with shipments to Singapore and Sri Lanka more than doubling and exports to the ASEAN region jumping by over 60 per cent.
The latest figures indicate that India’s growing network of trade agreements is increasingly translating into greater market access and higher export volumes, according to an analysis published by Tanzania’s The Guardian newspaper.
India’s exports have been gaining momentum at a time when the country is seeking to deepen its presence in global markets and diversify its trade partnerships. In FY 2025-26, India recorded its highest-ever combined exports of $863.1 billion, including $441.8 billion in merchandise exports and $421.3 billion in services exports.
Commerce Ministry data showed that Indian exports to Singapore surged 101.2 per cent year-on-year during April-June 2026, reaching $6.52 billion compared with $3.24 billion in the corresponding period of 2025.
Exports to Sri Lanka grew even faster, rising 123.8 per cent to $2.35 billion from $1.05 billion.
The ASEAN region also emerged as a major growth market. India’s exports to ASEAN countries increased 61.6 per cent to $14.61 billion during the first quarter of FY 2026-27, compared with $9.04 billion a year earlier.
Among individual markets, exports to Malaysia rose 75.2 per cent to $2.54 billion. Shipments to Australia increased 25.2 per cent to $2.68 billion, while exports to South Korea and Japan grew 22.6 per cent and 22.4 per cent to $1.95 billion and $1.75 billion, respectively.
India also recorded export growth to Oman, Nepal, Bhutan and Thailand. Shipments to Oman rose 26.4 per cent to $1.39 billion, while exports to Nepal increased 18.1 per cent to $2.28 billion. Exports to Bhutan and Thailand grew 16.1 per cent and 6 per cent, respectively.
The trend comes as India expands its network of trade agreements, including the India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA), India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA), India-Oman CEPA and the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA).
India has also concluded an FTA with New Zealand, which is awaiting ratification, while negotiations for a trade agreement with the European Union were concluded in January 2026.
Beyond headline export figures, the Commerce Ministry
IANS