What happened (06 August 2026): DGFT extends “Source from India” to DPIIT-recognised Start-ups
DGFT (Directorate General of Foreign Trade), Department of Commerce, expanded eligibility for the “Source from India” service on the Trade Connect ePlatform to include eligible DPIIT-recognised Start-ups effective 06 August 2026. DGFT notified the change through Trade Notice no. 16 dated 06 August 2026. DGFT stated that the expansion aims to increase international visibility for innovation-led Indian exporters through an official digital buyer-discovery interface.
Trade Connect and “Source from India”: the buyer-discovery mechanism
Trade Connect is a government integrated digital platform that provides exporters access to trade-related information, services, market intelligence, and institutional support through a single interface. Within Trade Connect, the “Source from India” feature is designed as an official digital marketplace. Eligible exporters can create dedicated digital microsites so that international buyers can discover verified Indian suppliers and connect with them directly.
What changed now: start-up microsites and identification through a Start-up Badge
DGFT stated that, effective 06 August 2026, DPIIT-recognised Start-ups that meet the existing “Source from India” eligibility criteria can create microsites on the Trade Connect platform. DGFT stated that overseas buyers will identify these start-ups using a unique Start-up Badge for easier discovery.