The National Chamber of Exporters of Sri Lanka (NCE) is inviting exporters, manufacturers, aspiring exporters and other businesses interested in expanding into the Indian market to join an overseas exportersโ delegation to New Delhi and Mumbai from September 24 to October 1, 2026.
India is one of Sri Lankaโs most important trading partners and presents significant opportunities for expanding Sri Lankan exports. In 2025, Sri Lankaโs exports to India increased by 17.2% to approximately US$1.04 billion, compared with US$881.6 million in 2024. The positive momentum has continued in 2026, with exports to India increasing by 36.16% to US$688.47 million during the first six months of the year.
With a population exceeding 1.4 billion and a rapidly expanding consumer and business economy, India offers considerable opportunities for Sri Lankan companies across multiple sectors. These include tea, rubber and rubber based products, coconut products, spices, apparel and textiles, food and beverages, gems and jewellery, electrical and electronic products, ICT and BPM services, logistics, manufacturing and other value-added products and services.
There are also opportunities beyond traditional exports, including joint ventures, investment, contract manufacturing, distribution partnerships, technology collaboration and integration into Indian and regional supply chains.
Sri Lankan exporters have the advantage of the India Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement (ISFTA), which has provided preferential market access since 2000. In 2025, approximately US$634 million, or 61.3% of Sri Lankaโs exports to India, were exported under the ISFTA framework.
With the Sri Lankan Government continuing discussions with India to strengthen bilateral economic and trade relations, including efforts to further improve market access and economic cooperation, the NCE believes this is an opportune time for Sri Lankan businesses to explore the Indian market directly.
A key feature of the NCE delegation is the strong network of Indian chamber partnerships established to facilitate direct business engagement. In New Delhi, the delegation will engage with the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI).
In Mumbai, participants will engage with the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (MACCIA), All India Association of Industries (AIAI) and the International Chamber of Investment and Business (ICIB). These partner organisations will facilitate B2B meetings with their members, providing Sri Lankan companies with opportunities to meet potential buyers, importers, distributors, investors and other business partners.
Source : Daily News
