Jammu and Kashmir has secured the second position among small states, North-Eastern states and Union Territories in the Export Preparedness Index (EPI) 2024 released by NITI Aayog, reflecting steady progress in building export-support systems while also highlighting key areas that need further strengthening.
According to the latest edition of the index, Jammu and Kashmir stands just behind Uttarakhand in its category and has been placed in the “Leader” group. This category includes states and UTs that show relatively higher levels of preparedness to support exports through policies, infrastructure and institutional mechanisms.
The Export Preparedness Index 2024, now in its fourth edition, assesses how ready states and UTs are to enable exports by focusing on enabling conditions rather than actual export outcomes. The framework evaluates regions across four core pillars, export infrastructure, business ecosystem, policy and governance, and export performance, using data sourced from both state and central government agencies.
While the ranking highlights Jammu and Kashmir’s improved position, the report clarifies that the “Leader” classification represents a performance grouping rather than a strict rank order. Alongside the rankings, the index includes a detailed state profile for Jammu and Kashmir, outlining progress made as well as structural gaps that need attention.
The report points to the need for enhancing export infrastructure maturity, improving cost competitiveness, increasing MSME participation and expanding market diversification to strengthen the Union Territory’s export readiness over time.
Special emphasis has been placed on district-level export planning. The index recommends strengthening District Export Promotion Committees (DEPCs) and formulating clearer district-specific export action plans to ensure preparedness translates into sustained export activity, particularly in areas with uneven infrastructure and enterprise concentration.
NITI Aayog noted that the EPI serves as a diagnostic and policy-support tool, aimed at helping states and UTs identify bottlenecks and design targeted interventions. It does not measure export volumes or trade balances and should not be seen as a direct indicator of export performance.
The index aligns with the national objective of building export capacity at the sub-national level, with states and Union Territories expected to play a more proactive role in developing local export ecosystems in the coming years.
