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India Reviews China Trade Barriers to Boost Services Exports

By Arth Vani Desk · 2026-10-12

India is actively assessing the trade challenges faced by its services exporters in China, engaging with industry to identify hurdles like licensing and data regulations. This proactive step aims to unlock greater potential in services exports to China, which could reach $8.95 billion (approximately ₹74,500 crore) in 2024.

Key takeaways

India is actively assessing the trade challenges faced by its services exporters in China, engaging with industry to identify hurdles like licensing and data regulations. This proactive step aims to unlock greater potential in services exports to China, which could reach $8.95 billion (approximately ₹74,500 crore) in 2024.

New Delhi: India is undertaking a comprehensive review of the trade barriers encountered by its services exporters operating in China. The government is proactively engaging with various industry representatives to gather insights and address specific concerns that impede the smooth flow of services from India to the Chinese market. This initiative underscores India's commitment to enhancing its global trade footprint and ensuring a more level playing field for its service providers.

The ongoing investigation is multifaceted, meticulously examining a range of issues. Key areas under scrutiny include the complexities surrounding licensing requirements, stringent data regulations, and the operational challenges faced by Indian professionals regarding their movement and work permits within China. These factors often create significant hurdles, increasing operational costs and limiting market access for Indian service firms across sectors such as IT, consulting, healthcare, and education.

Despite these existing challenges, there is substantial untapped potential for India's services exports to China. Projections indicate that services exports could reach an impressive $8.95 billion (approximately ₹74,500 crore) in 2024. However, the current regulatory environment suggests considerable room for improvement. By addressing these identified barriers, India aims to capitalize more fully on this potential, fostering stronger economic ties and greater revenue generation for its service industry.

To unlock this growth, India is advocating for a more streamlined and transparent regulatory framework. This includes pursuing better partnerships, simplifying existing regulations, and crucially, establishing mutual recognition and certification standards between the two nations. Such measures would not only reduce bureaucratic delays but also enhance predictability and confidence for Indian companies looking to expand their presence in the Chinese market. The focus remains on creating an environment that supports efficient cross-border service delivery and professional mobility.

For Indian service exporters, these efforts by the government signal a positive development. A successful resolution of these trade hurdles could translate into easier market entry, reduced compliance burdens, and greater opportunities for business expansion. It means potentially less red tape for Indian IT professionals, consultants, and other service providers seeking to offer their expertise and services in one of the world's largest economies. This proactive engagement is vital for safeguarding the interests of Indian businesses and ensuring they remain competitive on the global stage.

This report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice.

Frequently asked questions

What is India doing about trade with China for services?

India is proactively gathering insights from its services exporters on the trade hurdles they face in China, engaging with industry to address concerns like licensing and data regulations.

What specific challenges are Indian services exporters facing in China?

The investigation covers issues such as complex licensing requirements, stringent data regulations, and difficulties faced by Indian professionals in terms of movement and work permits within China.

What is the potential for India's services exports to China?

India has a potential to export $8.95 billion (approximately ₹74,500 crore) in services to China in 2024, and addressing these trade barriers could significantly help in achieving and exceeding this figure.

Source: ET Economy
Investments are subject to market risks. This article is for informational purposes only and not financial advice.