NEW DELHI, INDIA / RankWire.AI / – India has launched a comprehensive assessment to pinpoint approximately 100 imported products that local producers could scale up domestically. The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade is spearheading this initiative through six specialized teams. The scope of the review includes sectors such as healthcare, transportation, energy, electronics, chemicals, textiles, and industrial machinery. The government has yet to publish the final list or specify any product-specific incentives.
This move comes amid India’s efforts to address a broader merchandise trade deficit. Goods imports hit $774.98 billion in fiscal year 2025-26, rising from $721.20 billion in the previous year. Merchandise exports reached $441.78 billion, resulting in a trade shortfall of $333.19 billion. Data from the Commerce Ministry indicates that imports excluding petroleum, gems, and jewelry climbed to $498.56 billion. These statistics highlight the sectors that remain heavily reliant on imports.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi directed the central government and state authorities in December 2025 to identify 100 products suitable for local manufacturing. Subsequently, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal urged firms to analyze official import data and boost production in sectors with high import dependence. He emphasized the importance of capital goods and medical devices. The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade then organized sector-specific groups involving relevant ministries.
Six teams analyze key industry segments
Each group focuses on a particular industry segment. One team assesses pharmaceuticals and medical devices, while another reviews chemicals, textiles, and footwear. Separate units oversee capital goods, automobiles, electric vehicles, energy infrastructure equipment, and machinery. The review also includes civilian aerospace, defense-related products, and electronics. Officials are utilizing detailed trade data at the product level to compare import values, quantities, and sourcing countries.
India already has production-linked incentive schemes active in 14 sectors. These include electronics, pharmaceuticals, automobiles, batteries, telecom equipment, solar panels, textiles, and medical devices. The government also supports semiconductor manufacturing and the domestic production of electronic parts through dedicated programs. Incentives for pharmaceuticals target 41 bulk drugs with high import reliance. Solar manufacturing initiatives aim for nearly 48 gigawatts of high-efficiency module capacity.
Trade data guides the ongoing assessment
The Commerce Ministry maintains digital trade platforms containing country and product-specific import statistics. These records enable officials and businesses to monitor shifts across major categories. Between April and June 2026, India imported $216.18 billion worth of goods, compared to $180.31 billion in the same period last year. The rise reflects the increased import expenses from the previous fiscal year. Authorities are analyzing this data to refine the product list and identify manufacturing gaps.
This review is an extension of efforts to integrate customs classifications with relevant industrial agencies. Such coordination assists officials in recognizing high-volume imports and directing follow-up actions to the appropriate ministries. The government has officially confirmed the six-sector review and its emphasis on boosting domestic production. However, the final list of products, detailed import values, and any new incentives have not yet been disclosed. Any specific program would require an official notification from the concerned ministry.