India should target $8-10 trillion export economy by 2047: NITI Aayog CEO
NITI Aayog CEO BVR Subrahmanyam announced India's target to become an $8-10 trillion export economy by 2047 during the release of the Export Preparedness Index. The index shows coastal states leading while inland states like Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Haryana are improving significantly. India's exports reached $562.13 billion in April-November 2025, up 5.43% year-on-year, driven by electronics, engineering goods, pharmaceuticals, and rice exports.
*this image is generated using AI for illustrative purposes only.
NITI Aayog CEO BVR Subrahmanyam has set an ambitious target for India to become an $8-10 trillion export economy by 2047, announcing this vision during the release of the fourth edition of the Export Preparedness Index on Wednesday, January 14. This announcement underscores India's commitment to significantly expanding its global trade footprint over the next two decades.
Export Preparedness Index Reveals State Performance
The Export Preparedness Index, built on 70 comprehensive parameters, serves as a crucial tool for investors seeking data-backed insights into how Indian states perform in terms of export readiness. The index provides a clear snapshot of each state's capabilities and infrastructure for supporting export activities.
| State Category | Performance Trend | Key States |
|---|---|---|
| Coastal States | Continue to dominate | Natural logistical advantages |
| Inland States | Notable improvements | Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana |
Coastal states maintain their leadership position in the rankings, benefiting from natural logistical advantages and easier access to ports. However, the index reveals encouraging progress among inland states, with Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Haryana posting notable gains. These improvements signal enhanced policy support, better infrastructure development, and stronger export ecosystems in these regions.
Focus on Competitiveness Over Protection
Dr Arvind Virmani of NITI Aayog emphasized the importance of measurement in driving improvements, highlighting that the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative centers on competitiveness rather than protectionism. "Aatmanirbhar Bharat is about competitiveness, which includes both cost and quality, and not protection of high-cost or shoddy goods," he stated, underlining the need for Indian products to compete effectively on global markets through superior quality and competitive pricing.
Strong Export Performance in 2025
India's export sector has demonstrated robust growth momentum, with impressive performance figures for the current period. The country's total merchandise and services exports reached an estimated $562.13 billion for the April-November 2025 period, according to government data.
| Export Metrics | April-November 2025 | Growth Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Total Exports | $562.13 billion | +5.43% YoY |
| Key Growth Drivers | Electronics, Engineering Goods | Strong performance |
| Additional Sectors | Pharmaceuticals, Rice Exports | Significant rebound |
This performance represents a 5.43% increase over the previous year, driven primarily by strong demand for electronics, engineering goods, and pharmaceuticals. The data also highlights a notable rebound in rice exports, contributing to the overall growth trajectory.
Strategic Vision for Export Growth
The $8-10 trillion export target by 2047 represents a significant scaling up from current levels, requiring sustained improvements across infrastructure, policy frameworks, and competitive capabilities. The Export Preparedness Index will continue to serve as a monitoring tool, helping states identify areas for improvement and track progress toward enhanced export readiness.
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