What is India doing to counter the impact of US tariffs?

India is launching a pilot project to diversify its export destinations, focusing on markets in Africa and South Asia as alternatives to the US.

Which countries are being targeted for Indian exports?

India is targeting countries like Ghana, Togo, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bhutan as potential new export markets.

How is the Indian government facilitating this shift in exports?

The government is coordinating with Indian embassies, export promotion councils, and local chambers of commerce to organize buyer-seller meets and facilitate logistics, certification, and market push in the new target countries.

Home / Business and Economy / India Shifts Exports to Africa, South Asia as US Tariffs Bite

India Shifts Exports to Africa, South Asia as US Tariffs Bite

14 Nov

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Summary

India exports $18B annually to 8 countries, 4.2% of total exports
Pilot project to redirect goods from US to Africa, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan
Buyer-seller meets held to facilitate new export destinations

India Shifts Exports to Africa, South Asia as US Tariffs Bite

As of November 14, 2025, the Indian government is actively working to shift its export focus from the United States to new markets in Africa and South Asia. The ministries of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) and commerce have been leading this initiative, collaborating with Indian embassies abroad.

Currently, India exports around $18 billion worth of products annually to a group of eight countries, accounting for 4.2% of its total goods exports in the last fiscal year. The government has now launched a pilot project to diversify these export destinations, targeting friendly and emerging markets in Africa and neighboring regions like Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bhutan.

The plan involves holding stakeholder consultations and buyer-seller meets, where potential buyers from these new markets are invited to connect with Indian suppliers. The goal is to redirect goods initially meant for the US to these alternative destinations, providing a buffer against the impact of the new US tariff regime that came into effect in August.