India's Economy Set for Strong 2026 Growth as FTAs Fuel Export Surge

Industry leaders express confidence in India's strengthening economic position for 2026, crediting policy stability and expanding global trade ties. Recent free trade agreements with countries like Oman, New Zealand, and the UK are expected to provide a significant boost to exports across key sectors. The textiles and gems & jewellery industries highlight new opportunities and momentum from these FTAs. With India now ahead of Japan in economic size, the focus is on significantly increasing exports and building alternative trade arrangements to achieve the goal of becoming the world's third-largest economy by 2028.

Key Points: India's 2026 Economic Growth & Export Rise Driven by FTAs

  • Economic growth driven by policy stability
  • FTAs to boost exports
  • Aim for third-largest economy by 2028
  • Key sectors: textiles, gems & jewellery
2 min read

India's economy to grow stronger in 2026, exports to rise on FTAs: Industry

Industry leaders project stronger Indian economy in 2026, with exports gaining momentum from FTAs with Oman, New Zealand, and the UK.

India's economy to grow stronger in 2026, exports to rise on FTAs: Industry
"The free trade agreements signed in 2025 have opened new opportunities for exporters. – Ashok Jirawala, All Gujarat Textile Federation"

New Delhi, Jan 1

Industry leaders on Thursday said they believe that India's economic position will strengthen further in 2026, with exports expected to gain momentum due to free trade agreements signed with key countries.

Speaking to IANS, they said policy stability and expanding global trade ties will help drive growth in the coming year.

They also said that free trade agreements signed with countries such as Oman, New Zealand and the UK in recent months are expected to give a strong boost to India's exports.

Speaking to IANS, All Gujarat Textile Federation president Ashok Jirawala said India reaching the fourth spot globally is a matter of pride.

"This achievement has been possible due to a stable government and supportive policies," he said.

He added that the government has taken several positive steps for the textile sector in recent years, including better availability of quality yarn, which has helped the industry grow.

"The free trade agreements signed in 2025 have opened new opportunities for exporters. He expressed confidence that these agreements will lead to a sharp rise in exports in the coming years," Jirawala said.

Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Nikhil Madrasi said the new year has brought renewed hope for the country.

"India has now moved ahead of Japan in terms of economic size and is aiming to become the world's third-largest economy by 2028," he said.

"To achieve this goal, India must significantly increase exports and build alternative global trade arrangements instead of depending heavily on the US," he mentioned.

India Bullion and Jewellers Association Gujarat state head Nainesh Pachchigar said the gems and jewellery sector plays a key role in India's export growth.

He said India exports jewellery and gems worth around $7.8 million every day. "The industry is working to scale this up further, and the recently signed free trade agreements are expected to provide additional momentum," Pachchigar stated.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While the growth projections are encouraging, I hope this translates into more jobs for our youth. Stable policies are good, but we need to see real wage growth and skill development keeping pace with these export ambitions.
R
Rohit P
Moving ahead of Japan is a proud moment for every Indian! The focus on diversifying trade away from over-dependence on any single country is very smart. Jai Hind! ✨
S
Sarah B
As someone working in the gems export business in Surat, the Oman FTA is a big deal. Simplifying customs and having predictable tariffs will make us more competitive globally. The $7.8 million daily figure can definitely be scaled up.
V
Vikram M
Good to see industry leaders being optimistic. But a word of caution - we must ensure our manufacturing quality and supply chains are world-class to truly leverage these FTAs. "Make in India" needs to mean "Quality in India".
K
Kavya N
The textile sector mention gives me hope. So many livelihoods depend on it. If better yarn availability and FTAs help, it could revive many cluster towns. Fingers crossed! 🤞

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