India's Exports Defy Trump Tariffs, Finds New Global Trade Allies

• India's exports show resilience despite US tariff hikes, with fears of a decisive blow not materializing.
• Merchandise trade deficit widened to $25.04 billion in December due to higher imports, but exports to the US remained firm.
• Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal noted year-on-year export growth to the US in the first nine months, projecting total exports to exceed $850 billion.
• India is diversifying its markets, with China emerging as a fast-growing export destination, surpassing the US in trade volume.
• New Delhi is expanding trade ties with UAE, Hong Kong, Spain, and focusing on Africa for pharmaceuticals, engineering goods, and consumer products.

Why It Matters: India's export strategy shifts from US reliance to global diversification, mitigating tariff impacts and boosting trade.