India reports 277 operational Special Economic Zones

India has 277 operational Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and 95 non-operational zones as of July 31, 2026, according to information provided to the Lok Sabha by Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jitin Prasada.

Out of 436 approved zones, 372 have been notified. The highest number of non-operational zones are located in Haryana (14), followed by Telangana (12), Karnataka (11), Tamil Nadu (9), and Uttar Pradesh (9). Delays in operationalizing these zones are attributed to statutory approval timelines, shifts in the global economic climate, and changes in fiscal incentives.

Exports from these zones have shown consistent growth, rising to Rs 16.4 lakh crore in 2025-26 from Rs 14.63 lakh crore in 2024-25. Additionally, the Minister noted that India has signed 17 Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), with 16 currently in force, and is engaged in ongoing negotiations with the United States regarding an interim trade agreement framework.