On May 13, 2026, Union Minister Piyush Goyal presented the LEAPS Awards 2025 and released the seventh edition of the LEADS report in New Delhi. The LEAPS (Logistics Excellence, Advancement and Performance Shield) initiative, organized by DPIIT, recognized leadership and innovation across 13 categories, including Core Logistics, MSMEs, and Startups. The Minister highlighted that India’s Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) now cover over two-thirds of global trade, with five more agreements expected to become operational within the next year.
The event also marked the launch of the LEADS (Logistics Ease Across Different States) 2025 report, which transitioned to a more rigorous four-tier performance framework to benchmark logistics efficiency across States and UTs. Despite global headwinds, India achieved a record USD 863 billion in exports for the fiscal year ending March 2026, with the government now setting an aspirational target of USD 1 trillion for the current year. The Minister underscored that reducing logistics costs remains a national mission to enhance India's global competitiveness and support the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.
Key Trade and Logistics Benchmarks (May 2026)
Export Milestone: Achieved record USD 863 billion (FY 2025–26); current target set at USD 1 trillion.
FTA Coverage: Over two-thirds of global trade now covered; 9 FTAs concluded in the last 3.5 years.
LEADS Framework: Shifted to a four-tier categorisation (Exemplars, High Performers, Accelerators, Growth-Seekers) with 59% weightage on objective indicators.
STEM Talent: India produces 1.4 million STEM graduates annually, supporting nearly 1,800 Global Capability Centres (GCCs).
Compliance Reduction: Nearly 1,000 offences decriminalised and 42,000 compliance burdens reduced to improve Ease of Doing Business.
The LEADS 2025 Performance Hierarchy
The revised four-tier classification identifies the maturity of logistics ecosystems across different topographies:
Category | Coastal States | Landlocked States | North-Eastern States | Union Territories |
Exemplars | Tamil Nadu | Uttar Pradesh | Mizoram | Delhi |
High Performers | Gujarat, Kerala, Maharashtra | Haryana, Telangana, Chhattisgarh, Bihar | Tripura, Meghalaya | J&K, Puducherry |
Accelerators | Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Goa, Karnataka | Punjab, Jharkhand, MP, Uttarakhand, HP | Nagaland, Arunachal, Manipur, Assam | Chandigarh, Ladakh, Lakshadweep |
Growth-Seekers | West Bengal | Rajasthan | Sikkim | Andaman & Nicobar |
What is "LEADS" (Logistics Ease Across Different States)?
LEADS is a flagship assessment by DPIIT that benchmarks the logistics performance of Indian States and Union Territories to identify gaps and drive targeted policy reforms. Unlike a simple ranking, the LEADS 2025framework uses a data-driven approach, assigning significant weight to objective indicators to reflect the actual implementation of the National Logistics Policy. It categorises states into tiers like "Exemplars" or "Accelerators" based on their infrastructure, regulatory environment, and service delivery, fostering a spirit of competitive federalism to reduce overall logistics costs.
Policy Relevance
Institutionalises Cost Reduction: By making logistics cost reduction a "national mission," the government directly addresses one of the primary barriers to India's manufacturing and export competitiveness.
Leverages Strategic Trade Alliances: The operationalisation of five new FTAs and active negotiations with regions like the GCC and Canada provide Indian exporters with duty-free access to diverse global markets.
Encourages Technological Adoption: Awarding startups like MatchLog Solutions and Yellowings highlights the government's push for tech-led, "Industry 4.0" solutions in supply chain management.
Strengthens Evidence-Based Planning: LEADS 2025 report allows states to prioritise high-impact infrastructure projects under the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan.
Capitalises on Human Capital: Highlighting India's 1.4 million STEM graduates and growing GCC ecosystem positions the country as a global hub for research, development, and high-tech manufacturing.
Follow the Full News Here: Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Shri Piyush Goyal Felicitates LEAPS 2025