India Records Services Trade Surplus of US$ 18.12 Billion in December
- IBEF
- January 16, 2026
India’s services sector recorded a trade surplus of Rs. 1.50 lakh crore (US$ 18.12 billion) in December 2025, reflecting strong overseas demand for services such as information technology, business process outsourcing, and other professional services, according to government trade data compiled by Reuters. During the month, services exports were estimated at Rs. 2.95 lakh crore (US$ 35.50 billion), while services imports stood at Rs. 1.44 lakh crore (US$ 17.38 billion). The surplus helped partially cushion India’s overall trade position, even as merchandise trade trends continued to exert pressure due to a widening deficit driven by higher goods imports.
The substantial services surplus underscores the resilience and export competitiveness of India’s services industries, including sectors such as IT services, software, finance, travel and transport services, which have traditionally been significant contributors to the country’s foreign exchange earnings. The performance in December 2025 highlights the role of the services sector as a stabilising force in India’s external trade profile, particularly at a time when global demand for goods is affected by supply chain pressures and fluctuations in commodity prices. Sustained services exports continue to support India’s external balances by generating foreign exchange inflows that help offset a portion of the merchandise trade gap. Analysts note that continued diversification of service offerings, along with strategic engagement with global markets, could further strengthen India’s services trade surpluses in the period ahead and support the country’s long-term economic resilience.
Disclaimer: This information has been collected through secondary research and IBEF is not responsible for any errors in the same.
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