Archive · 11 Jun 2025
India and Global Services Trade: Challenges and Prospects
Imagine countries trading things like education, banking, and computer help, instead of just selling goods.
This is 'services trade,' and it's becoming more important worldwide, especially for India.
However, unlike selling goods, services have rules that are different in each country, making it hard to trade.
Things like visas, education standards, and taxes can stop services from being traded easily.
Countries are trying to make rules more similar so it's easier to trade, like creating an index that measures how difficult it is to trade services, which can help countries make deals and boost services trade.
Share of services in global trade has grown rapidly since 2008, while goods trade has declined.
India's services exports have risen, contributing to a manageable current account deficit.
Global trade in services faces challenges due to complex internal regulations and lack of international comparability.
Efforts to create a Services Trade Restrictiveness Index (STRI) are underway but face statistical issues.
India's focus on Mode 4 (movement of natural persons) has had limited success in enhancing services trade.
- Who
- Countries engaged in international trade, particularly India.
- What
- Challenges and opportunities in global trade of services.
- When
- Since the financial crisis of 2008 and ongoing.
- Where
- Globally, with a focus on India's trade relations.
- Why
- To address barriers and enhance trade in services.
Challenges in Service Trade
Opportunities in Service Trade
Regulatory Hurdles
Challenges in Service Trade
Non-tariff barriers like internal regulations and lack of international comparability.
Opportunities in Service Trade
Need for reliable data and a single measure of restrictiveness.
- Services in Global Trade
- Approx. 25% of total trade
- India's Export GVA (Services)
- Increased from ~51% (2014-15) to ~55% (present)
- India's Current Account Deficit
- Managed at 2% of GDP, due to service trade.
- Key Issue
- Codifying trade in services
- STRI Approach
- Offers a way forward for trade talks