VARANASI : In a significant milestone for India’s export sector, the first-ever commercial shipment of 40 metric tonnes (MT) of biscuits manufactured in Varanasi has been exported to Oman under the India–Oman Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). The landmark export marks another important step towards realizing Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of taking ‘Made in India’ products to global markets while strengthening India’s position as a trusted manufacturing and export hub. Union Minister of Commerce & Industry Shri Piyush Goyal said.
Further reinforcing this achievement, an MoU has been signed for the supply of nearly 700 MT of biscuits to Oman and other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries during FY 2026–27. The agreement is expected to significantly expand India’s footprint in the Gulf food market and create sustained export opportunities for Indian food manufacturers.
The India–Oman CEPA has enabled duty-free access for biscuits manufactured in India through preferential tariff benefits, making Indian products more competitive in the Omani market compared to products from other exporting countries. The enhanced price competitiveness is expected to lead to increased export volumes, repeat orders from importers, and stronger long-term trade partnerships across the GCC region.
The successful export from Varanasi also highlights the growing integration of India’s manufacturing centres with global value chains and demonstrates the country’s expanding capabilities in value-added food exports.
This development is expected to provide a significant boost to India’s food processing sector by encouraging higher production, creating new employment opportunities across the value chain, and enhancing the income prospects of MSMEs and food manufacturers. It also reflects the growing effectiveness of India’s trade agreements in opening new international markets for domestically manufactured products.
The milestone underscores the Government of India’s continued commitment to promoting exports, improving market access through strategic trade agreements, and positioning Indian products as globally competitive brands under the ‘Made in India’ initiative. As exports to Oman and the wider GCC region gain momentum, the success is expected to pave the way for greater diversification of India’s agricultural and processed food exports in the years ahead.
