As global trade continues to evolve amid geopolitical shifts, supply chain realignments, and rapid digitalisation, exporters must begin preparing today for what lies ahead. In an exclusive conversation, Summi GL, Co-founder & CEO of GlobalLinker, speaks with Dr Ajay Sahai, Director General & CEO of the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO), to understand how Indian exporters can stay competitive and future-ready in 2026.
Watch the full interview here
Navigating a Changing Global Trade Environment
Dr Sahai highlights that the global export landscape is undergoing structural changes. Demand patterns are shifting, traditional markets are maturing, and new opportunities are emerging across developing economies. Exporters who proactively diversify markets and product portfolios will be better positioned to manage volatility.
Competitiveness and Value Creation
A key insight from the discussion is the importance of moving beyond price-led exports. Dr Sahai stresses the need for quality, compliance, branding, and value addition. As global buyers become more selective, Indian exporters must focus on reliability, sustainability, and long-term partnerships.
Role of Policy and Institutions
The conversation also touches upon the role of institutions like FIEO in supporting exporters through policy advocacy, market intelligence, and capacity-building initiatives. Dr Sahai encourages exporters—especially MSMEs—to actively engage with export promotion bodies to stay aligned with regulatory and market developments.
Digital Enablement and MSME Readiness
Digital platforms, data-driven decision-making, and global B2B networks will play a critical role in shaping export success by 2026. Dr Sahai underscores the importance of technology adoption to improve visibility, efficiency, and global reach—particularly for small and mid-sized exporters.
Preparing for 2026
The overarching message from the interview is clear: exporters who invest today in capability building, compliance, digital readiness, and strategic market expansion will be the ones who succeed tomorrow.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views, official policy or position of GlobalLinker.
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Supriya MathurMy endeavour is to help business owners digitise, network and grow easily. Towards this I help organise webinars, curate articles and answer queries via our help centre.
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