Maharashtra has secured the top position as India's most export-ready state, according to NITI Aayog's recently released Export Preparedness Index (EPI) 2024. This marks a significant shift, as Maharashtra has surpassed Tamil Nadu, which held the leading spot in the previous EPI 2022 edition. The EPI 2024 report, released on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, by the government think tank, provides a comprehensive assessment of the export readiness and performance of Indian states and Union Territories. The index evaluates states based on 70 parameters across four key pillars: export infrastructure, business ecosystem, policy and governance, and export performance. While the business ecosystem pillar carries the highest weightage at 40%, the other three contribute 20% each. The report highlights that Maharashtra's rise to the top reflects its robust policy, strong infrastructure, industrial depth, and export outcomes, consolidating its position as a commercial and financial hub with a focused push on export-oriented sectors. Following Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Gujarat secured the second and third positions, respectively, among large states. Uttar Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh also featured in the top five. For smaller states, North Eastern states, and Union Territories, Uttarakhand emerged as the leader, followed by Jammu & Kashmir and Nagaland. NITI Aayog has emphasized that the EPI 2024 methodology has undergone changes, making direct comparisons with EPI 2022 not advisable. This index is crucial for guiding states in strengthening their export ecosystems and contributing to India's ambition of achieving a $30 trillion economy with $7.5 trillion in exports by 2047.