Uttarakhand topped NITI Aayog’s Export Preparedness Index (EPI) for small states
- IBEF
- January 16, 2026
The Export Preparedness Index (EPI) 2024 shows that Uttarakhand has emerged as the top-ranked state among the small states category, according to the latest data released by NITI Aayog. The EPI provides a comprehensive assessment of States and Union Territories (UTs) based on their preparedness to promote and sustain exports. The index evaluates multiple dimensions, including export infrastructure, business ecosystem, policy support, governance frameworks, and export performance outcomes. Uttarakhand’s leading position reflects the effectiveness of its export-oriented strategies, sustained efforts to strengthen institutional capacity, and targeted initiatives aimed at improving the ease of doing business for exporters. Together, these measures have enhanced the state’s export readiness and positioned it as a strong performer in India’s evolving export landscape.
The ranking credited Uttarakhand’s proactive policy initiatives, improvements in logistics and infrastructure, and efforts to strengthen the business climate for exporters at both the state and district levels. The Export Preparedness Index (EPI) framework provides a comprehensive assessment that benchmarks regions on export competitiveness by evaluating factors such as institutional capacity, access to finance, and integration with global value chains. Uttarakhand’s achievement underscores the expanding role of smaller states in India’s export landscape and highlights the impact of targeted policy reforms in driving export-led growth. As the state continues to align its local export strategies with national export ambitions, it is expected to build on its performance by attracting greater investment, boosting employment generation, and enhancing economic opportunities for local industries, including micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
Disclaimer: This information has been collected through secondary research and IBEF is not responsible for any errors in the same.
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