India’s exports to four key BRICS economies rose sharply in the first five months of 2026-27, signalling stronger demand for Indian goods across some of the world’s major emerging markets.
Shipments to China, South Africa, Brazil and Russia increased 34% to $19.9 billion between April and August, compared with $14.9 billion during the same period last year, according to Commerce Ministry data. Their combined share in India’s total exports also rose to 9.2% from 8.1% a year earlier.
China accounted for the largest share of the increase. Indian exports to the country rose 39% to $9.6 billion during April-August. The rise comes as India continues to strengthen trade ties with major economies while looking to expand the markets available to its exporters.
South Africa recorded the fastest growth among the four countries. Indian shipments to the African nation jumped 58% during the five-month period. Exports to Brazil rose 13%, while those to Russia increased 11%.
The latest figures show that the original BRICS economies are becoming more important destinations for Indian products. A Commerce Ministry official said the strongest export momentum was coming from the bloc, particularly its four core partners.
The growth is not limited to BRICS markets. Indian exporters also recorded strong gains in several other major economies during the same period.
Exports to Japan rose 43% to $3.43 billion, helped by higher shipments of mineral fuels, electronics and aluminium. Mineral fuel exports to Japan alone increased 76%.
Shipments to Italy climbed about 30% to $3.92 billion, compared with $3.02 billion a year earlier. Exports to South Korea rose 22% to $3.21 billion, with minerals, fuels, electronics, aluminium, iron and steel, and chemicals contributing to the increase.
The stronger export performance comes as Indian businesses seek to widen their presence in global supply chains. Electronics, energy products, metals, chemicals and other industrial goods have emerged as important parts of the export basket.
The increase in shipments to China is particularly significant because China remains one of India’s biggest trading partners. India continues to import much more from China than it exports, resulting in a large trade deficit. The latest export figures, however, show Indian companies making some gains in the Chinese market.
The broader BRICS grouping has also changed considerably in recent years. It originally consisted of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the UAE and Saudi Arabia joined in 2024, while Indonesia became a member in 2025. Several other countries have joined as partner nations.
The current export figures refer specifically to the four core BRICS economies other than India — China, South Africa, Brazil and Russia.
The timing is significant for India as it seeks to diversify its export destinations. Stronger trade with emerging economies can provide exporters with additional markets and reduce dependence on individual countries.
The latest numbers also come after the BRICS Summit held in New Delhi earlier this month, where member countries discussed greater cooperation in areas including trade, investment, supply chains, digital payments and economic integration.
India’s export growth has been supported by rising shipments of manufactured and intermediate goods. The increase in electronics exports is particularly notable as the country seeks to establish itself as a larger manufacturing and export base.
Growing demand from Japan, South Korea and other industrial economies also points to opportunities beyond traditional export markets. Indian companies are increasingly supplying components, industrial materials, energy products and manufactured goods to global businesses.
At the same time, higher exports do not automatically mean a narrower trade deficit. India continues to import large quantities of crude oil, electronics, machinery, chemicals and other goods. The value of imports therefore remains an important factor in determining the country’s overall trade balance.
Still, the rise in exports to the core BRICS economies provides a positive signal for India’s external trade. Shipments to these four countries have grown almost three times faster than exports to the wider BRICS grouping, according to a Commerce Ministry official.
The government is now looking to build on this momentum by opening more markets for Indian manufacturers and exporters. Better access to overseas markets, stronger supply chains and growing demand for Indian-made products could help sustain export growth through the rest of the financial year.
With China leading the increase and South Africa recording the fastest growth, the latest figures underline the growing role of BRICS trade, export diversification and emerging markets in India’s foreign trade strategy.