NITI Aayog report suggests reforms to boost India's professional services exports

A report by NITI Aayog suggests that regulatory reforms are essential for India to maximize the export potential of its professional services sector. The report, titled ‘India’s Services Sector: Insights on Regulatory Regime in Professional Services’, highlights that improvements in clarity, professional mobility, recognition of qualifications, and ease of doing business could strengthen India’s position in global trade.

Professional services have become a vital part of India’s economy. In 2024, India was the seventh-largest exporter of services globally, holding a 4.3 per cent share of the market. Professional and management consulting services specifically accounted for nearly 20 per cent of India’s total services exports in 2024-25. The sector recorded a compound annual growth rate of 18 per cent between FY15 and FY25.

The report notes that while sectors like medicine, law, accounting, and auditing have established frameworks, other fields such as engineering, landscape architecture, and urban planning face lighter regulation or lack formal oversight. Challenges identified include nationality and residency requirements, licensing, and the recognition of foreign qualifications.