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.

Developed by the Digital India Corporation under the Ministry of Textiles in 2023, the IndiaHandmade platform was launched with the objective of bringing India’s rich heritage of handmade products into the digital economy. The platform enables artisans to showcase and sell their products online while promoting sustainable livelihoods in the handicrafts and handloom sectors.

India is home to a vast network of traditional artisans. According to official data, the country currently has around 6.466 million handloom and handicraft artisans. Women play a significant role in this workforce. As of August 2025, women accounted for 71 percent of handloom weavers and 64 percent of the overall artisan community, underlining the sector’s importance in supporting female employment and entrepreneurship.

The platform serves as a bridge between traditional craftsmanship and modern technology. By providing digital access to small-scale producers, IndiaHandmade allows artisans from remote regions to reach customers beyond their local markets. This expanded visibility is helping preserve traditional crafts while creating new income opportunities.

One of the key advantages of the platform is its direct-to-consumer model. Artisans and weavers can sell products without relying heavily on middlemen, enabling them to retain a larger share of profits. The initiative is expected to improve earnings and provide long-term economic stability for skilled craftsmen.

IndiaHandmade hosts a diverse range of handmade products spanning multiple categories. Customers can purchase textiles, home décor items, paintings, furniture, religious articles, stationery, musical instruments, jewellery, bags, footwear, and other handcrafted goods through the platform. This wide product range reflects the cultural diversity and craftsmanship found across different regions of India.

A major highlight of the platform is its focus on Geographical Indication (GI) tagged products and One District One Product (ODOP) items. These categories are given dedicated visibility to help preserve regional identities and promote unique local products on a national scale.

GI-tagged products represent specific regions and are recognized for their unique quality, reputation, and traditional production methods. Several well-known products available on the platform include Pashmina shawls, Dokra art, and Appan art. By showcasing such products digitally, the platform helps artisans reach a broader audience while preserving traditional knowledge and craftsmanship.

Similarly, the ODOP initiative is being leveraged to promote region-specific products such as Banarasi silk, Chanderi silk, Tangail sarees, Ikat fabrics, and terracotta handicrafts. The inclusion of these products supports local economies and enhances market access for artisans associated with traditional industries.

For consumers, IndiaHandmade offers secure payment systems, purchase protection, and customer support services. These features are intended to build trust and encourage greater participation in the online marketplace.

The platform has also simplified onboarding for small sellers. Even artisans without GST registration can join through an enrolment ID mechanism and sell products within their respective states. This provision ensures that small-scale producers are not excluded from digital commerce due to regulatory barriers.

The government aims to connect more than six million artisans through the platform in the coming years. Officials believe the initiative will strengthen the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat by empowering local producers, generating employment opportunities, and expanding the global reach of India’s traditional crafts.

As India continues its digital transformation journey, the IndiaHandmade platform is emerging as an important tool for preserving cultural heritage while creating sustainable economic opportunities for millions of artisans and weavers across the country.