India, the Alternative to China: How Geopolitics is Redrawing Global Trade Maps

Why this shift now?

Over the last few years, tariffs, sanctions and policy uncertainty have pushed global buyers to diversify beyond a China-centric supply chain. The result: India, Vietnam and Bangladesh are taking a much larger share of orders—especially in textiles, agro products and light manufacturing.

Global brands want stability, lower risk and suppliers who align with sustainability goals. India fits well into this new trade equation.

India’s strategic advantages

Scale + Variety: India can supply everything from handloom textiles and apparel to agro and organic food products.
Policy tailwinds: Government initiatives like “Make in India,” export facilitation councils, and port modernisation are reducing bottlenecks.
Cost–value balance: Competitive pricing with improving quality and compliance standards.
Sustainability fit: Handloom, eco-friendly and organic categories perfectly match EU and UK sustainability mandates.

What buyers are changing in their playbook

Multi-country sourcing: Splitting purchase orders between India + Southeast Asia to reduce dependency on a single country.
Near-shoring logistics: Using a mix of FOB, CIF and DAP to stay flexible when freight prices fluctuate.
Supplier verification: Conducting factory audits, running small trial orders and using independent inspection agencies like SGS or Bureau Veritas.
Starting with smaller MOQs: Onboarding faster with 25–100 pcs (scarves/stoles) or 50–100 meters (fabrics), then scaling up based on performance.

How to work with Indian suppliers (buyer checklist)

Begin with samples + trial purchase orders.
Clearly lock specifications (design, size, packaging, QC standards) in the Proforma Invoice.
Agree on Incoterms upfront (FOB, CIF, DAP) along with expected transit times.
Ensure all documentation is prepared: Invoice, Packing List, Certificate of Origin, Bill of Lading/Airway Bill, etc.
Set clear payment terms: typically 30–50% advance and balance before dispatch or against documents.

Categories to watch in 2025

Textiles & handloom: Sambalpuri Ikat, cotton scarves, stoles, bedsheets, home linens.
Agro/organics: Spices, pulses, specialty rice, microgreens and organic foods.
Home & lifestyle: Handcrafted décor, lightweight metalware, eco-friendly packaging.

Bottom line

India is no longer seen as just a backup supplier. With the current geopolitical environment, it is becoming a strategic sourcing hub for global buyers. The importers who modernize their sourcing playbook—verification, flexible shipping, and strong partnerships—will benefit the most from this global realignment.