The Commerce and Industry Ministry is preparing an ambitious 100-day reform agenda aimed at liberalising foreign direct investment (FDI), promoting startups, and strengthening India’s export competitiveness, a senior official said.
The proposed reforms are likely to include easing investment norms for neighbouring countries, providing additional tax benefits to startups, and relaxing select environmental regulations for the leather and footwear sector. Plans are also underway to fast-track the establishment of e-commerce hubs, operationalise the BharatTradeNet digital platform, and integrate laboratory testing and certification services to enhance ease of doing business.
The agenda comes amid escalating trade challenges. The United States has already imposed an additional 25% duty on Indian goods, with another 25% penalty set to take effect from August 27 over India’s oil and defence purchases from Russia. Officials believe the new reform push will help cushion the impact and expand India’s export base.
At the Lokmat Global Economic Convention, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal reaffirmed the government’s commitment to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Independence Day call for “fast-tracked transformation” to accelerate India’s journey towards becoming a developed nation.
During April–July 2025-26, India’s exports rose 3.07% to $149.2 billion, while imports increased 5.36% to $244.01 billion, resulting in a trade deficit of $94.81 billion. Meanwhile, FDI inflows grew 13% to $50 billion in 2024-25, with most investments routed through the automatic approval mechanism. However, inflows from land-border countries — including China, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Myanmar, and Afghanistan — continue to require mandatory government clearance.
The upcoming agenda is also aligned with India’s broader self-reliance vision. On August 15, Prime Minister Modi unveiled a 10-year project to develop an indigenous defence shield and reduce reliance on foreign military technologies, including the development of domestic jet engines.
In addition, the government is intensifying efforts to strengthen the startup ecosystem through tax incentives and simplified compliance. The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) is separately working on measures to expand India’s e-commerce exports, identifying the sector as a major untapped growth driver.
Officials emphasised that these steps, once implemented, will help India attract higher foreign investments, reduce trade imbalances, and consolidate its position in global supply chains.
