India’s new system of authorisation for import of personal computers, laptops and other IT hardware products is likely to come up for discussion at the upcoming India-US Trade Policy Forum (TPF), officials said.
On its part, New Delhi will push for easier market access for its mangoes and grapes, and fast-tracking visas for skilled workers at the forum to be held on January 13-14 in New Delhi. Commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal and the US Trade Representative Ambassador Katherine Tai co-chair the TPF.
Though India has allayed US concerns that it has no plans to expand the use of import management system for the IT hardware products such as personal computers and laptops beyond the listed products multilaterally, officials said the issue could be discussed bilaterally at the forum. Washington had said that the measure prompts its firms to think twice about doing business in India and it would impact its exports.
“The matter was discussed during the G20 trade and investment ministers meeting, and we have replied to their queries at the WTO, but all issues can be taken up at TPF,” said an official.
In October, India launched a new system of authorisation for import of these electronic goods to monitor their shipments, after the government’s sudden decision to put in place a licensing scheme was opposed by industry.
The US is India’s largest trading partner with exports worth $44.47 billion in April-October FY24 and imports from Washington at $24.87 billion. The two sides are also likely to take up the progress of resolution of the seven WTO cases, and the strengthening of Intellectual Property Rights.