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MARCH 2026

States as Drivers of Export:

Insights from NITI Aayog’s

Export Preparedness Index

A s India seeks to deepen its integration into The Index assumes greater significance as India

global value chains and expand its export
expands and consolidates its network of trade
footprint, the role of states has become
increasingly central. Export competitiveness of India agreements. The Comprehensive Economic
Partnership Agreement with the UAE and the
is not determined at the national level alone, it is Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement with
shaped by sub-national factors including Australia are operational. The Trade and Economic
infrastructure quality, regulatory efficiency, industrial Partnership Agreement with the EFTA countries has
depth, logistics connectivity, institutional capacity, been concluded, which also carries a commitment of
and sectoral specialisation. National aggregates often USD 100 billion in foreign direct investment into India
conceal significant inter-state disparities in export over 15 years. Trade agreements have also been
capabilities and readiness.
finalised with the European Union, the United
Kingdom, Oman and New Zealand. An agreement
In this context, NITI Aayog has developed a has been reached with the USA for the removal of the
structured framework in the form of the Export 50 per cent tariff imposed.
Preparedness Index (EPI) to assess how well States
and Union Territories are positioned to promote and
sustain exports. The latest edition of the Index, As preferential market access expands across major
released in January 2026, offers valuable insights economies, states must enhance domestic
into the current level of export preparedness across competitiveness to fully capitalise on these emerging
States and Union Territories. export opportunities.

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