India’s Rise as a Global Medical and Wellness Destination

India is increasingly establishing its position as a top-tier worldwide destination for medical and wellness tourism, thanks to high-quality services, low costs, and ancient healing practices. Initiatives suggest a sustained expansion, setting the way for significant growth through 2030.

Key Highlights and Growth:

• Medical Tourist Influx: Between January and November 2025, over 4.5 lakh international tourists arrived for medical purposes, with forecasts indicating that this figure will exceed 5 lakh for the entire year.
• Market Growth: The Indian medical tourism market is estimated to grow from $8.7 billion in 2025 to $16.2 billion by 2030.
• Global Ranking: India has regularly been rated tenth in the global Medical Tourism Index (2020-21).
• Cost Efficiency: Patients can save 60% to 90% on medical procedures compared to Western countries, with high-quality care available at a fraction of the cost (for example, heart bypass surgery in India costs USD 6,000-8,000 vs. USD 80,000-120,000 in the USA).

AYUSH and Holistic Wellness:

• Global Demand: The Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy (AYUSH) systems are significant drivers, combining traditional holistic care with modern medical procedures.
• AYUSH Visa: The specialist AYUSH Visa, which was developed to provide convenient, long-term access for international patients seeking wellness, is increasing demand.
• Budgetary Boost: The Union Budget 2026-27 budgeted ₹4,408 crore to the Ministry of AYUSH. This includes the development of three new All India Institutes of Ayurveda to enhance research and services.

Infrastructure and Policy Enhancements (2026)

• Regional Medical Hubs: The Union Budget 2026-27 announced the creation of five Regional Medical Hubs that will serve as integrated complexes for treatment, education, and research.
• Digital Transformation: A one-stop Medical Value Travel (MVT) portal is being upgraded to offer comprehensive services such as virtual consultations and post-operative follow-ups.
• Accreditation Standards: A considerable majority of NABH (National Accreditation Board for Facilities and Healthcare Providers) and JCI-accredited facilities adhere to worldwide safety and quality standards.

Key Drivers:

• No Waiting Time: In contrast to extensive wait times in the United States and the United Kingdom, patients have immediate access to specialized operations.
• Skilled Workforce: A considerable number of English-speaking physicians and surgeons.
• Diverse Services: Strong expertise in cardiology, oncology, transplants, and orthopedic operations.

India & New Zealand Free Trade Agreement Signed

The India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which was signed in April 2026, includes 100% duty-free access for Indian exports to New Zealand, a USD 20 billion FDI commitment from NZ over 15 years, and 5,000 skilled visas for Indians. It safeguards India's vulnerable dairy and agriculture sectors while promoting MSMEs, textiles, and services.

Key Highlights of the India-New Zealand FTA (2026):

• Trade and Tariff Elimination: New Zealand dropped tariffs on 100% of Indian exports, which benefited labor-intensive industries such as textiles, leather, footwear, and engineering goods. India granted market access on 70% of tariff lines, accounting for 95% of New Zealand exports, while protecting sensitive industries such as dairy, dairy products, apples, and wines.
• Massive Investment Commitment: New Zealand has committed to investing USD 20 billion in India over the next 15 years, focusing on industries such as manufacturing, agriculture, renewable energy, and technology.

• Talent Mobility & Visas:
• Qualified Professionals: A new channel will provide 5,000 temporary employment visas for qualified Indian professionals (up to a three-year stay).
• Students: Improved post-study employment rights, including up to four years for PhD grads, and recognition of student mobility.
• Working Holiday: Each year, 1,000 young Indians aged 18 to 30 can acquire a 12-month working holiday visa.

• Services and Collaboration: The agreement covers 118 service areas, with a particular emphasis on IT, professional services, tourism, and education. It makes provisions for agricultural productivity partnerships and mutual recognition of organic certificates.
• Support for MSMEs: The agreement includes special provisions to help small and medium-sized businesses by lowering technical trade obstacles and encouraging incorporation into global value chains.

• Protected Sectors (India): To protect domestic interests, India excluded important agricultural items from the agreement, including milk, cream, cheese, yoghurt, and whey, as well as select vegetables such as onions and peas.