India, July 16 -- NITI Aayog has advised the Indian government to engage in a dedicated services-focused trade agreement with the United States in its most recent Trade Watch quarterly, as a strategic opportunity to grow India's presence in the world's largest services market in digital, IT and professional services.

The report comes at a time when India is experiencing an increasing trade deficit in goods, and with services exports-especially tech, business, and financial services-helping stabilize trade. In the first quarter of FY25, India's services exports grew over 10%, resulting in a $52.3 billion surplus that better positioned India against the growing merchandise trade gap.

NITI Aayog said it is time for India to build off the s...