By Sanskriti Global Exports by Himanshu Gupta

Navigating New Corridors and Policy Shifts: India's Trade Landscape in Late 2025

Date: November 24, 2025
By: A Senior Trade Analyst

Introduction

In the dynamic world of international trade, standing still is moving backward. Today’s developments serve as a stark reminder of this axiom for India's vibrant import-export community. We are witnessing a pivotal moment where long-term infrastructural projects are beginning to bear fruit, while crucial domestic policies face scrutiny and international negotiations encounter the harsh realities of geopolitics. From the promising hum of activity along the new India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) to the strategic recalibration of our flagship PLI schemes, the landscape is shifting. This analysis will dissect today’s key news, providing a factual summary and, more importantly, a strategic breakdown of the implications for your business.

Factual Summary: The Day's Key Developments

Based on today's roundup, four major developments are commanding the attention of the trade sector:

1. IMEC's Western Leg Nears Full Operational Capacity: Reports confirm that the crucial maritime link between Mundra Port in Gujarat and Jebel Ali Port in the UAE is now consistently handling scheduled, high-frequency container traffic. Logistics operators are touting a significant 20-25% reduction in transit times for initial shipments destined for European markets via this route, compared to the traditional Suez Canal passage. The focus has been on high-value goods, including pharmaceuticals, specialty chemicals, and electronic components, with port authorities in Mundra reporting upgraded digital infrastructure to facilitate faster customs clearance for IMEC-bound cargo.

2. Government Initiates Mid-Term Review of Electronics PLI Scheme: The Ministry of Commerce and Industry, in collaboration with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), has formally announced a comprehensive mid-term review of the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for Large-Scale Electronics Manufacturing. The review aims to assess the scheme's success in meeting its targets for domestic value addition, export growth, and supply chain localization. Industry sources indicate the review will scrutinize the actual versus projected investment figures and could lead to a tightening of disbursement criteria or, conversely, an expansion of the scheme to include more component categories.

3. India-UK FTA Talks Hit Stumbling Block on Agri-Tariffs & Data Norms: The latest round of negotiations for the much-anticipated India-UK Free Trade Agreement has reportedly hit a significant impasse. The primary points of contention are non-tariff barriers and steep tariffs on Indian agricultural products, particularly dairy and certain fruits. Simultaneously, the UK is pushing for more lenient data localization norms, a sensitive issue for India's digital sovereignty framework. While progress has been made in areas like textiles and automotive components, these core disagreements threaten to push the final agreement's timeline into mid-2026.

4. DGFT Mandates New 'TradeSecure' Platform for Gem & Jewellery Exports: The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has issued a notification mandating the use of a new digital platform, 'TradeSecure,' for all gem and jewellery exports exceeding a value of $25,000, effective January 1st, 2026. The platform requires real-time uploading of Kimberley Process Certificates (for diamonds), hallmarking data, and shipping details. The stated goal is to enhance transparency, curb under-invoicing, and provide a secure, verifiable trail for high-value consignments, aligning with international anti-money laundering (AML) standards.

Implications for Indian Import-Export Professionals

These developments are not just headlines; they represent tangible opportunities and challenges that require immediate strategic consideration. Here’s a breakdown of what this means for your operations:

• The IMEC Advantage is Real, Act Now: The operationalization of the Mundra-Jebel Ali corridor is a game-changer, especially for businesses in Western India. Exporters of time-sensitive or high-value goods should immediately initiate conversations with their logistics partners to explore trial shipments via this route. The reduced transit time is a powerful competitive advantage, potentially opening up new markets for perishable goods and just-in-time supply chains. Importers can also benefit from faster access to components and goods from Europe.
• Electronics Sector - Prepare for Policy Volatility: If you are a beneficiary of the electronics PLI scheme or a supplier to one, the mid-term review is a critical event. Begin meticulously documenting your compliance with value-addition and investment targets. The review could lead to more stringent audits. For those considering applying for future PLI schemes, the outcome of this review will set the precedent for government expectations. Stay engaged with industry bodies to provide feedback during the consultation phase.
• UK Market Strategy - Diversify and De-risk: The hurdles in the UK FTA talks mean that preferential access to this key market is not guaranteed in the short term. Exporters, especially in the agri-food sector, should not base their 2026 strategy solely on the hope of tariff reductions. It is prudent to strengthen your presence in existing markets and actively explore new ones, particularly in the Middle East and Southeast Asia, where trade agreements are more favorable. For other sectors, while an FTA is still likely, the delay necessitates a more conservative forecast.
• Compliance Overheads for Gem & Jewellery Exporters: The 'TradeSecure' platform represents a significant new compliance step. Exporters in this sector must immediately begin training their teams on the new system to avoid shipment delays come January. While this increases the administrative burden, it also enhances the credibility of Indian exports. Leveraging this enhanced transparency in your marketing to international buyers could turn a compliance requirement into a mark of quality and trust.
• A Broader Shift Towards Digitization: The DGFT's move is part of a larger trend. Indian trade is rapidly digitizing, from customs clearance (Faceless Assessment) to tracking. Businesses that invest in robust digital infrastructure and train their staff in these new systems will face fewer disruptions and gain a competitive edge over slower-moving rivals. Expect similar mandatory platforms to be rolled out for other sensitive sectors in the coming years.

Conclusion: A Call for Agility

Today's news paints a clear picture of the twin engines driving Indian trade: strategic infrastructure development and continuous policy evolution. The rise of the IMEC corridor offers a tangible path to greater efficiency and market access. However, this opportunity is balanced by the complexities of policy reviews and the challenging nature of international trade negotiations. For the Indian import-export professional, the message is clear. Success in late 2025 and beyond will not be defined by reacting to change, but by anticipating it. Agility in logistics, diligence in compliance, and strategic diversification of markets are no longer just best practices—they are the essential pillars of a resilient and profitable global trade business.

Source: Original