India’s free trade agreements (FTAs) are expected to unlock significant export opportunities for the country’s micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), according to R.K. Mishra, Additional Director at the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), Mumbai.
Mishra said a comprehensive support ecosystem would be essential to help smaller businesses strengthen their presence in international markets and fully capitalise on the opportunities created by India’s expanding network of trade agreements.
He noted that India’s exports had remained resilient despite geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions and other global challenges, with both export volumes and export value continuing to register growth.
According to Mishra, export growth is expected to accelerate further as global economic conditions stabilise.
He also identified e-commerce as a major growth driver for MSMEs, stating that digital platforms have the potential to significantly expand market access for Indian manufacturers. He said that doubling India’s e-commerce exports over the next two to three years could contribute more than US $10 billion to the country’s overall exports.
Mishra further highlighted the role of the Export Credit Guarantee Corporation (ECGC) and government-backed credit guarantee mechanisms in supporting exporters, particularly MSMEs shipping smaller consignments to overseas markets.
He added that while FTAs would play a crucial role in boosting exports, achieving higher export growth would require a broader strategy encompassing trade agreements, wider adoption of e-commerce, improvements in product quality and easier access to export finance.
Bharat Tex Special Report 2026 
