Gujarat has emerged as the top state in the NITI Aayog’s 2021 Export Preparedness Index for the second time in a row followed by Maharashtra and Karnataka. All three states have performed consistently across pillars, thus consolidating solid scores. These states are among the top states in the export contribution of more than 50% in India in 2020-21.
Under the category of landlocked states, Haryana has emerged as a top performer. Bihar and Chhattisgarh are some of the weaker states in this category, according to the final EPI report. Among Himalayan states and city-states, Uttarakhand and Delhi are the top-performing states. Delhi performs well due to higher FDI inflows, better transport connectivity, logistics and investment attracted because it is the national capital. Uttarakhand has attracted significant investments over the last three years.
The top six states in India - Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana contribute 75% of India’s overall exports. Therefore, India’s export policy has to be more decentralised and state-specific. NITI Aayog recognises this fact and released an Export Preparedness Index (EPI) starting last year to enhance a sense of competition between states and encourage them to adopt export promotion policies, said an official.
