India's export competitiveness has significantly improved over the past five years, particularly in sectors like sugar, agrochemicals, gemstones, and petroleum. According to the commerce ministry, petroleum exports surged to $84.96 billion in 2023, elevating India to the second-largest exporter with a market share increase from 6.45% in 2018 to 12.59%. Precious stone exports also rose dramatically, capturing 36.53% of the global market. Additionally, cane or beet sugar exports doubled to $3.72 billion, while rubber pneumatic tires grew from $1.82 billion to $2.66 billion, further enhancing India's global position. Overall, India is now the third-largest exporter, up from fifth place in 2018.

Union Minister for Shipping Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated new projects worth Rs 187.33 crore at Chennai and Ennore Kamarajar ports to boost container movement and port infrastructure. Key projects include four Exim godowns at Chennai port and doubling rail connectivity at Kamarajar port. The Exim godowns, built under the Sagarmala Scheme, will offer dedicated storage for sensitive cargo. At Kamarajar, a Rs 88.91 crore rail expansion project will double rail handling capacity, while a Shore Power Supply Facility will help reduce diesel dependence for coal vessels. These initiatives aim to modernize ports and promote sustainable growth.

Kandla Port is planning a significant expansion in Gujarat's Kutch area, allocating three kms of land for a new container port and potentially another three kms for a multipurpose freight terminal, with an estimated cost of ₹27,000 crore. Established in 1955, Kandla was once India's top port, but in 2023-2024, it was surpassed by Paradip Port, which handled over 145 MMT of cargo. Kandla's cargo volume decreased by 4.17% last year, with international cargo declining by 4.8%. Despite this, Kandla is focusing on revitalization to regain its competitive edge.

Paradip Port is set to enhance its infrastructure by developing three new berths, mechanising four existing ones, and adding a dedicated green hydrogen berth as part of its plan to become fully mechanised by 2030. The port will also create an exclusive green hydrogen and ammonia berth for export and bunkering, with a capacity of 5 MTPA, expected to be awarded by 2026 for Rs 325 crore. Additionally, the port has signed agreements with four investors to establish green hydrogen and ammonia plants in the region, involving a total investment of Rs 50,800 crore.

On October 24, key projects aimed at enhancing multimodal connectivity and logistical efficiency in India were evaluated, spearheaded by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. These initiatives seek to streamline logistics across the nation's transport infrastructure, minimizing transit times and easing congestion. In Uttar Pradesh, vital road projects include the Prayagraj-Jaunpur-Azamgarh-Dohrighat-Gorakhpur Corridor and the Ghazipur-Syed Raja Road, enhancing access to economic hubs. Additionally, railway expansions in Jharkhand and the Tirupati-Katpadi double line project in Andhra Pradesh will bolster coal transport and support industrial activity. Collectively, these projects aim to improve India's freight movement under the PM GatiShakti framework.