In Dr. Abhay Sinha’s worldview, India’s services story is not just a matter of numbers—it’s a narrative of credibility, innovation, and strategic expansion. Whether it’s a patient seeking quality healthcare, a student searching for a global-classroom experience, or a business looking to outsource critical engineering solutions, India is becoming the answer.
And as SEPC continues to steer this vision, one thing is clear: the world is not just looking at India—it’s engaging with India’s services.
“India’s Moment to Lead in Services”
In a world increasingly reliant on seamless, cross-border services, India stands at a pivotal juncture—and no one articulates this better than Dr. Abhay Sinha, the Director General of the Services Export Promotion Council (SEPC). Dr. Sinha shares a bold, yet grounded vision of India’s rise as a global leader in services, particularly in medical tourism, education, and engineering exports.
Medical Tourism: More Than Just Affordability
“India has the competence and advantage to take the lead in medical tourism,” Dr. Sinha asserts, “and our strength is not only the healthcare sector and infrastructure in India but also the Indian diaspora.” But he is quick to draw a distinction. While many destinations bank on low costs, India’s real value, he believes, lies in “credible and responsible healthcare.” It’s a message that goes beyond marketing: it’s about trust, ethical standards, and the consistent quality that the global patient community demands.
SEPC, under his guidance, is advocating for enhanced global campaigns and partnerships to position India not just as a medical hub, but as a healthcare leader. “Affordability may open the door, but credibility earns loyalty,” he adds.
A $800 Billion Milestone in Sight
If the numbers are any indication, India’s services sector is on a winning streak. “Going by the current growth rate, the services exports will cross USD 800 billion by 2030,” Dr. Sinha predicts with quiet confidence. With exports touching $325 billion in 2022–23, $341 billion in 2023–24 and India’s services sector export achieved a significant milestone in the fiscal year 2024–25, reaching a record $387.5 billion, marking with a 13.6% growth in 2025, the momentum is undeniable.
Driving this surge are sectors like IT, ITeS, healthcare, tourism, and a fast-emerging dark horse—engineering services. Dr. Sinha has his eyes set on a bold target: “Engineering services alone have the potential to touch $100 billion by 2030 if we sustain this growth rate.”
New Markets, New Strategies
But growth needs fresh soil to take root. SEPC is keenly focusing on diversification. “The Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries are untapped reservoirs of opportunity,” says Dr. Sinha. As geopolitical shifts redraw trade maps, SEPC is helping Indian service providers establish a presence in these emerging markets, aligning with both economic and strategic imperatives.
Educating the World, the Indian Way
Another frontier where India is poised to lead is global education. “SEPC constituted its Working Committee on School Education,” Dr. Sinha shares. “It’s an initiative to set new benchmarks, share best practices, and internationalise school education.”
This effort isn’t just about exporting education—it’s about building an ecosystem that trains teachers, ensures quality accreditation, and aligns India’s educational offerings with global standards. In his words, “It’s about making Indian education not just accessible, but aspirational.”
The Call for Data and Policy Support
Even with this momentum, Dr. Sinha remains pragmatic. “We still lack granular data on services exports,” he cautions. Without detailed insights, policymaking becomes reactive rather than strategic. He strongly advocates for a robust statistical backbone and targeted support in the upcoming foreign trade policy to help the sector scale new heights.
