As of May 26, 2025, India is witnessing a remarkable economic transformation, marked by unprecedented export figures, groundbreaking agricultural advancements, and a reinforced position in the global economic hierarchy.
Record-Breaking Exports: A New Milestone
India’s total exports have soared to an all-time high of $824.9 billion in the fiscal year 2024–25, reflecting a 6.01% increase from the previous year’s $778.1 billion. This surge is attributed to significant growth in both merchandise and services sectors.
Services Sector Leads the Charge
The services sector has been a major contributor, achieving a historic high of $387.5 billion, up 13.6% from the previous year. In March 2025 alone, services exports stood at $35.6 billion, marking an 18.6% year-on-year growth.
Merchandise Exports Show Robust Growth
Non-petroleum merchandise exports reached $374.1 billion, registering a 6.0% increase from $352.9 billion in 2023–24. This growth underscores India’s expanding manufacturing capabilities and diversified export portfolio.
Agricultural Innovations: Pioneering Genome-Edited Rice
In a significant stride towards sustainable agriculture, India has unveiled its first genome-edited rice varieties: DRR Rice 100 (Kamla) and Pusa DST Rice 1. Developed using CRISPR-Cas technology by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), these varieties promise enhanced productivity, water conservation, and climate resilience.
This development positions India as a global leader in agricultural biotechnology, aiming to address food security and environmental sustainability challenges.
Global Economic Standing: Solidifying the 4th Position
According to the International Monetary Fund’s April 2025 World Economic Outlook, India has retained its position as the world’s 4th largest economy, with a GDP of $4.39 trillion. Despite a slight downward revision, India is projected to grow at 6.2% in 2025, maintaining its status as the fastest-growing major economy globally.
Comparative Global Rankings
- United States: $30.34 trillion
- China: $19.53 trillion
- Germany: $4.92 trillion
- India: $4.39 trillion
- Japan: $4.27 trillion
India’s growth is fueled by private consumption, particularly in rural areas, and is expected to become the third-largest economy by 2030.
Agricultural Targets: Ambitious Goals for 2025–26
The Indian government has set a record foodgrain output target of 354.64 million tonnes (MT) for the 2025–26 crop year, marking a 4% increase from the previous year’s target. This ambitious goal is supported by an above-normal monsoon forecast and strategic focus areas, including improved farming practices and balanced fertilizer application.
Key Highlights
- Kharif Season Target: 168.88 MT
- Rice: 147 MT
- Wheat: 117 MT (an 8% increase)
- Monsoon Forecast: 105% of the benchmark (above normal)
The government plans to utilize river waters previously allocated to Pakistan for Indian farmers, particularly in bordering states, enhancing irrigation and agricultural productivity.
Conclusion
India’s economic landscape in 2025 is characterized by robust export growth, pioneering agricultural innovations, and a solidified position in the global economy. These developments reflect the nation’s commitment to sustainable growth, technological advancement, and global competitiveness.
