From Local to Global: The Role of Regional Products in Strengthening India’s Position in the Emerging World Trade Order

Abstract

This study looks at how India's regional products with Geographical Indication (GI) certification might improve the nation's standing in the new global trade order. The study assesses how the potential of origin-linked products, including Basmati rice, Darjeeling tea, Banarasi sarees, and Pashmina shawls, supports trade competitiveness, rural development, and identity-based branding. Methodologically, the study uses secondary data and a SWOT-based analytical framework, complemented by comparative export-performance indicators for selected GI-tagged products. The analysis highlights the strategic role of GI protection in enabling quality differentiation, cultural value addition, and market trust, while also identifying challenges related to weak enforcement, inadequate producer awareness, and limited marketing capabilities. Opportunities brought up by digital globalisation, e-commerce, and changing trade agreements are also covered. Overall, the results show that GI products may become globally competitive brands with the help of more robust certification mechanisms, organised digital marketing, and successful producer-cluster development. To fully realise their impact on commerce and rural development, a concentrated policy drive towards global quality alignment and sustainability norms is essential. Taken together, the findings suggest that strengthening GI enforcement, export facilitation, and digital and global branding is critical for transforming India’s regional products into durable competitive advantages in the emerging world trade order.