India’s strong export numbers conceal a "confidence trap" for small, family-run exporters. Despite optimism, they face worsening geopolitical risks, market concentration, and internal family disagreements. A significant policy transmission gap leaves SMEs unaware of trade deal benefits and struggling with finance. The author urges policy to shift from merely promoting exports to sustaining exporters. A "geopolitical concierge" is needed, offering market intelligence, FTA guidance, and finance access to prevent the exporter base from narrowing.