India’s Districts as Export Hubs initiative is expanding a district-led export model that connects local products, MSMEs and services with international markets, with more than 770 districts covered as of January 2026.

 India is pushing to make districts the building blocks of its next phase of export growth through the Districts as Export Hubs (DEH) initiative, a framework designed to identify products and services with global potential and connect local producers with international markets.

The initiative is built around the idea that India's export growth should extend beyond established industrial centres and port cities. By focusing on district-level strengths, the government aims to create more opportunities for MSMEs, local businesses and producers, while supporting employment and broader regional economic development.

The approach builds on the One District One Product (ODOP) concept but goes beyond product identification and promotion. Under DEH, districts are treated not merely as production units but as units of export planning, with local authorities, state governments, industry and central institutions working together.

India’s export growth creates room for district-led expansion

India’s combined exports of goods and services reached $825.25 billion in 2024-25, according to the government document, and are estimated to rise to $863.11 billion in 2025-26. The government says the next challenge is to sustain this momentum through a more inclusive approach to export development.

For decades, export activity was concentrated in established industrial clusters and port cities. The DEH framework seeks to bring products from smaller cities, rural districts and remote regions into the export ecosystem.

Examples cited by the government include Bastar iron craft, Jalgaon bananas and Meghalaya oranges, highlighting the range of agricultural, handicraft and other products that could serve international markets.

More than 770 districts covered

The DEH initiative had expanded to cover more than 770 districts across India by January 2026, according to the government.

The framework is not structured as a standalone funding scheme. Instead, it works as a coordination mechanism, bringing together resources available under existing central and state government programmes to address district-specific export challenges.

At the institutional level, the Department of Commerce provides overall policy direction, while the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) handles implementation, stakeholder coordination and monitoring.

State Export Promotion Committees guide implementation at the state level, while District Export Promotion Committees (DEPCs) identify export opportunities, address local bottlenecks and coordinate with exporters, industry and other stakeholders.

590 district export plans drafted

One of the key components of the initiative is the preparation of District Export Action Plans (DEAPs).

These plans map products and services with export potential, assess infrastructure and logistics, identify barriers to international trade and recommend measures to improve competitiveness and market access.

By March 2026, draft DEAPs had been prepared for 590 districts, while 249 had been formally adopted by the respective District Export Promotion Committees.

From local products to global standards

Identifying a product is only the first step in becoming an exporter. The DEH framework also focuses on quality standards, testing facilities, packaging, branding and certification so that local products can meet international requirements.

The government has identified several categories with export potential, including GI-tagged products, agricultural clusters, toy clusters and engineering goods.

Examples include ceramics and tiles from Sabarkantha, minerals and agro-processing products from Aravalli, Jalgaon bananas and Bharit brinjal from Maharashtra, oranges from Agar Malwa and Bastar iron craft, rice, jowar and maize from Chhattisgarh.

Digital platforms widen access for MSMEs

The initiative also seeks to use digital commerce to help smaller businesses reach overseas buyers.

The government says DEH partnerships with platforms such as Amazon, Shiprocket and DHL can provide MSMEs with more affordable courier and shipping options. Dak Ghar Niryat Kendras further support small exporters with documentation, packaging and lower-cost postal export facilities.

Capacity-building programmes conducted by DGFT regional authorities and district administrations cover areas such as logistics planning, export procedures, packaging and regulatory compliance.

The programmes involve ecosystem partners including ECGC, EPCH, FIEO, the Ministry of MSME, India Post and EXIM Bank.

EXIM Bank partnership targets six districts

The government has also partnered with EXIM Bank to strengthen export ecosystems in selected districts through its Grassroots Initiatives for Development (GRID) programme.

Six districts—Anantapur, Raipur, Solan, Tiruppur, Kanpur and Kolhapur—have been selected for support under the initiative. The programme aims to identify district-specific constraints, potential beneficiaries and interventions that can improve export competitiveness.

Focus shifts to measurable export outcomes

From June 1, 2026, the government adopted a more focused and phased approach to implementing the DEH initiative.

The first phase involves districts across 27 states and Union Territories, supported by 24 DGFT regional authorities and 11 partner agencies. The emphasis is on measurable outcomes, including registering new exporters, coordinating existing government schemes and increasing export value through GI products and MSME clusters.

The broader objective is to turn district-level production strengths into sustained export opportunities.

As India moves towards its stated $1 trillion export target, the government is positioning stronger coordination among the Centre, states and districts as an important part of the strategy. The intended outcome is not only higher exports but also greater trade, investment and employment opportunities across local economies.

Govt restricts silver imports, makes licence mandatory for key categories

Silver import rules tightened to curb non-essential imports; primary keyword “silver imports” used here

New Delhi, late morning — The central government on Saturday tightened rules around silver imports, moving key categories from a freely importable list to the “restricted” category and making an import licence mandatory, according to an official notification seen by this newspaper.

What changed
The notification says 99.9% pure silver bars, unwrought (raw) silver, silver powder and silver coated with gold or platinum will now require prior government approval for import. Customs will not clear consignments in these categories without the requisite licence, officials said.

Why the step was taken
Officials described the move as aimed at reducing non-essential imports and checking the outflow of foreign exchange. “Rising imports of precious metals have been widening the trade deficit and putting pressure on the rupee,” a government source familiar with the matter said on condition of anonymity. The change follows an earlier increase in import duty: on May 13 the government raised import duty on gold and silver from 6% to 15%.

Timing and context
The DGFT notification comes amid a sharp year‑to‑date rise in bullion prices and record gold imports in 2025–26. India’s gold import bill climbed over 24% to about $72 billion last fiscal year, putting added focus on curbing precious‑metal imports. Silver prices have also jumped — from roughly ₹2.30 lakh per kg on 31 December 2025 to about ₹2.69 lakh per kg this month, industry data show.

Trade and routing concerns
Think tanks and officials cited concerns that low‑duty silver could be routed through third countries, notably the UAE, under trade pacts such as the India‑UAE CEPA. “There was a risk of a surge in cheap silver imports routed via Dubai to exploit preferential tariffs,” said Ajay Srivastava, founder of the Global Trade Research Institute (GTRI). The restricted status is intended to plug such channels, the government said.

Rules for importers
Under the new process importers must obtain a licence from the commerce ministry or designated authority before consignments are cleared by customs. Some categories may also be placed under Reserve Bank of India monitoring, which would add compliance for banks and traders dealing in overseas payments for bullion.

Changes to Advance Authorisation
Separately, DGFT has tightened the Advance Authorisation scheme that allows duty‑free imports for exporters. Exporters will be allowed to import a maximum of 100 kg of gold per licence, and first‑time applicants must undergo physical verification of their manufacturing units before licences are issued. Repeat authorisations will be contingent on meeting at least 50% of past export obligations, the notification said. Firms must now file transaction reports every 15 days, certified by a chartered accountant, with regional DGFT officers compiling monthly reports for headquarters.

Industry reaction
Jewellery and manufacturing bodies expressed concern about the suddenness of the move. The All India Gems and Jewellery Council warned higher duties and licensing could push trade into the grey market and spur smuggling, hurting legitimate businesses and small jewellers. “Sudden restrictions create near‑term disruption for manufacturers that rely on imported raw silver,” said an industry executive requesting anonymity.

Ground reality and public impact
On the ground in Delhi and Mumbai, dealers reported an uptick in enquiries about import licences and compliance timelines. Small and medium jewellers — many of whom operate on thin margins — said they would face working capital stress if supplies tighten. Consumers are already seeing higher retail prices after bullion runs earlier this year.

What’s next
Officials said implementation details, including licence application procedures and timelines, will be clarified in follow‑up orders. Traders and industry associations expect further consultations with the commerce ministry and customs in the coming days. Markets will be watching how the new rules affect domestic liquidity of silver and the wider jewellery supply chain.

Focus on enforcement and monitoring is likely to increase, officials added, as New Delhi balances trade deficit concerns with the needs of industry.