Kolkata, June 9,2026

 

The Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, today highlighted its transformative achievements over the past twelve years and outlined its vision for accelerating India's export-led growth during a media briefing held at the Tea Board Head Office, Kolkata. The briefing was jointly addressed by Shri Amit Kumar, Joint Secretary, Department of Commerce, and Shri C. Murugan, Deputy Chairman, Tea Board India.

Addressing the media, Shri Amit Kumar stated that the Department of Commerce has consistently worked towards enhancing the competitiveness of Indian exports under the guiding principles of “Vocal for Local” and “Local to Global.” He noted that India's total exports have grown significantly from USD 468 billion in 2014-15 to USD 863 billion in 2025-26, reflecting the country's deeper integration with global markets and the success of sustained policy interventions.

Shri Kumar highlighted the Department's strategic focus on export trajectory analysis, digital transformation, market access expansion through Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), promotion of Brand India, productivity enhancement and export promotion initiatives. He observed that the services sector has emerged as a major growth driver, with exports increasing from USD 310 billion in 2014-15 to USD 442 billion in 2025-26. Substantial growth has also been recorded in engineering goods, electronics, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, gems and jewellery and other key sectors.

To improve ease of doing business and facilitate exports, the Department has implemented several digital initiatives, including the Trade Connect e-Platform, Trade Intelligence and Analytics Portal, Market Intelligence and Promotion Portal (MIMP), and exporter feedback mechanisms through DGFT.

Highlighting India's expanding global trade footprint, Shri Kumar noted that several landmark trade agreements have been concluded in recent years with the UAE, EFTA nations, the United Kingdom, Mauritius and other partner countries, while negotiations with key economies such as the European Union, Oman and New Zealand continue to advance. These engagements are creating new opportunities for Indian exporters and strengthening market access across regions.

The Department also showcased initiatives under Brand India promotion, including Niryat Protsahan and Niryat Disha, while emphasizing the role of Bharat Mandapam and the India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) in strengthening India's global trade ecosystem.

 

Reaffirming the Government's commitment towards achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, Shri Kumar stated that the Department of Commerce is working closely with line ministries, commodity boards, state governments, MSMEs and industry stakeholders to drive economic growth and achieve the ambitious target of USD 2 trillion in exports by 2030.

Shri Kumar also highlighted the robust performance of marine exports, Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and the Government e-Marketplace (GeM). SEZ exports increased from ₹4.99 lakh crore in 2014-15 to ₹13.55 lakh crore in 2025-26, while GeM has facilitated procurement orders worth ₹17.72 lakh crore since its inception, enhancing transparency and efficiency in government procurement.

Focusing on the tea sector, Shri C. Murugan, Deputy Chairman, Tea Board India, informed that India's tea production reached an all-time high of 1,382.74 million kilograms during FY 2025-26. The country also achieved its highest-ever tea export performance, with exports touching 282.11 million kilograms, registering a growth of 7 per cent over the previous year. Export earnings reached a record ₹8,718.83 crore, marking a 12 per cent increase over FY 2024-25.

Shri Murugan noted that despite prevailing geopolitical tensions affecting traditional markets in West Asia, the Indian tea industry remains resilient and optimistic. He stated that exporters have proactively diversified into emerging markets such as China, North Africa, Canada and Egypt to mitigate potential disruptions in the Middle East, which continues to account for a significant share of India's tea exports.

The Deputy Chairman informed that Tea Board India is actively planning promotional activities in unexplored and non-traditional markets across the world. He also highlighted several domestic promotional initiatives aimed at enhancing the brand equity of Indian tea, including campaigns at airports, railway stations, Vande Bharat trains, metro train wraps in major cities, print media campaigns, and awareness programmes in schools, colleges and other educational institutions.

“With focused market development efforts, we are confident of sustaining export volumes at the record levels achieved last year,” Shri Murugan said.

Shri Murugan further highlighted the progress made under the *Pradhan Mantri Cha Shramik Protsahan Yojana (PMCSPY)*, a flagship scheme with an outlay of ₹1,000 crore aimed at improving education, healthcare and housing facilities for tea workers, particularly women and children in Assam and West Bengal. Following the recent constitution of the State Level Committee in West Bengal, implementation of the scheme is expected to gain momentum across tea-growing regions of the state.

Addressing concerns related to climate change, Shri Murugan stated that Tea Board-supported research institutions are developing climate-resilient and drought-resistant tea varieties. Financial assistance is also being provided to tea growers for the adoption of irrigation systems and other climate-adaptive technologies.

The briefing also addressed issues concerning Darjeeling tea, tea imports, productivity enhancement, promotional activities and quality assurance measures. Tea Board India emphasized that sustained replanting, adoption of best agricultural practices and continued market development efforts would be critical for ensuring the long-term growth and sustainability of the tea sector.

Concluding the briefing, Shri Murugan expressed confidence that collaborative efforts between the Government of India, Tea Board India, state governments, exporters, producers and other stakeholders would enable the Indian tea industry to scale new heights and further strengthen its position in global markets.

Shri Amit Kumar, Joint Secretary, Department of Commerce, and Shri C. Murugan, Deputy Chairman, Tea Board India, at a meeting with stakeholders of the Tea Industry at the Tea Board Head Office, Kolkata, 09.06.2026

 

Shri Amit Kumar, Joint Secretary, Department of Commerce, and Shri C. Murugan, Deputy Chairman, Tea Board India, at a meeting with stakeholders of the Tea Industry at the Tea Board Head Office, Kolkata, 09.06.2026

 

Shri Amit Kumar, Joint Secretary, Department of Commerce, and Shri C. Murugan, Deputy Chairman, Tea Board India, addressing a Press Briefing on Highlights of 12 years achievements of the Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Govt. of India, at the Tea Board Head Office, Kolkata, 09.06.2026

 

Shri Amit Kumar, Joint Secretary, Department of Commerce, and Shri C. Murugan, Deputy Chairman, Tea Board India, addressing a Press Briefing on Highlights of 12 years achievements of the Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Govt. of India, at the Tea Board Head Office, Kolkata, 09.06.2026

 

 

 

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