NCE to lead exporters’ delegation to India to unlock new opportunities

• Invites Lankan exporters to join business delegation to New Delhi and Mumbai from 24 September to 1 October 2026

The National Chamber of Exporters of Sri Lanka (NCE) is inviting exporters, manufacturers, aspiring exporters and other businesses interested in expanding into the Indian market to join an overseas exporters’ delegation to New Delhi and Mumbai from 24 September to 1 October 2026.

India is one of Sri Lanka’s most important trading partners and presents significant opportunities for expanding Sri Lankan exports. In 2025, Sri Lanka’s exports to India increased by 17.2% to approximately $1.04 billion, compared with $881.6 million in 2024. The positive momentum has continued in 2026, with exports to India increasing by 36.16% to $688.47 million during the first six months of the year.

With a population exceeding 1.4 billion and a rapidly expanding consumer and business economy, India offers considerable opportunities for Sri Lankan companies across multiple sectors. These include tea, rubber and rubber based products, coconut products, spices, apparel and textiles, food and beverages, gems and jewellery, electrical and electronic products, ICT and BPM services, logistics, manufacturing and other value-added products and services.

NCE said there are also opportunities beyond traditional exports, including joint ventures, investment, contract manufacturing, distribution partnerships, technology collaboration and integration into Indian and regional supply chains.

Building on the India–Sri Lanka FTA

Sri Lankan exporters have the advantage of the India Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement (ISFTA), which has provided preferential market access since 2000. In 2025, approximately $634 million, or 61.3% of Sri Lanka’s exports to India, were exported under the ISFTA framework.

With the Sri Lankan Government continuing discussions with India to strengthen bilateral economic and trade relations, including efforts to further improve market access and economic cooperation, the NCE believes this is an opportune time for Sri Lankan businesses to explore the Indian market directly.

Direct B2B access through leading Indian chambers

A key feature of the NCE delegation is the strong network of Indian chamber partnerships established to facilitate direct business engagement.

In New Delhi, the delegation will engage with the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI).

In Mumbai, participants will engage with the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (MACCIA), All India Association of Industries (AIAI) and the International Chamber of Investment and Business (ICIB).

These partner organisations will facilitate B2B meetings with their members, providing Sri Lankan companies with opportunities to meet potential buyers, importers, distributors, investors and other business partners.

The delegation is also being supported by the Sri Lankan High Commission in New Delhi and the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Mumbai, with dedicated trade officers assisting in facilitating the programme and strengthening engagement with the Indian business community.

A timely opportunity for Sri Lankan businesses

For many Sri Lankan companies, particularly SMEs and emerging exporters, accessing a market as large and diverse as India can be challenging without the right contacts and market knowledge. The NCE delegation is designed to provide a structured platform to overcome this barrier.

Participants will have the opportunity to assess market demand, meet potential business partners, explore export and distribution opportunities, identify joint-venture and investment possibilities, and gain first-hand insights into the Indian market.

The strong growth in Sri Lankan exports to India, ongoing government-level efforts to strengthen bilateral trade relations, and the interest already demonstrated by leading Indian chambers make this an especially timely initiative.

The NCE therefore encourages established exporters, manufacturers, SMEs, aspiring exporters and companies seeking partnerships or new market opportunities to join the delegation.

This is an opportunity to move beyond simply studying the Indian market and instead meet Indian businesses directly, establish new relationships and explore tangible commercial opportunities.