1. Coffee

As of 2009, Indian coffee made up for 4.5 percent of the world's production and 80 percent of this produce is exported.

While Italy makes for 29 percent of the coffee exports made, Germany, Russia, Spain, Belgium, Slovenia, United States, Japan, Greece, Netherlands and France also buy Indian coffee for its fine quality.

2. Handicrafts

India has a large number of artisans who make decorative items by hand or using hand-held tools. These are high in demand but lack the exposure to the global market.

With the correct use of e-commerce websites like Amazon, Alibaba, Etsy and more, one can get these listed to be seen and bought by customers overseas.

3. Sugar

India majorly exports sugar to Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Somalia and Iran. The sugar mills in the country are well supported by the government. If you get yourself registered with DGFT (Directorate General of Foreign Trade), exporting sugar is free.

4. Cotton Yarn

Cotton yarn used to make clothes is also an important export made from India. The country is the second largest producer of cotton yarn fabric in the world and has considerable demand in the West, China and also Japan.

5. Other natural products

India's exports are predominately agricultural like spices, tea, tobacco and also animal products like milk. While most are concentrated by large players, you can also start your own business to support local and small producers.

What do you need to start an import/export business in India?

You need to be sure of the resources you have to start any business before you decide to start one. Once that is sorted, it is recommended to open a sole proprietorship, atleast at the initially stages of your business to simplify legal procedures.

• Get your business registered for Service Tax or VAT with an attractive logo and name.
• It is also mandatory to get a PAN for the business for income tax purposes.
• Open a current account at a bank of your choice to maintain working capital to run your day-to-day business.
• Get Import Export Code (IEC) registration done.
• Obtain Registration cum Membership Certificate (RCMC), which is granted by the concerned Export Promotion Councils. It provides you the authorisation to import or export, or to avail other related benefits.