India Remains on USTRs Priority Watch List for Intellectual Property Rights

India continues to enforce elevated customs duties on intellectual property (IP)-intensive products, including those in the information and communications technology (ICT) sector, solar energy equipment, medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and capital goods.

These high customs duties are part of Indias broader trade policy, which aims to encourage domestic manufacturing and reduce reliance on imported goods. The Indian government has emphasized the importance of fostering local industries, particularly in technology and healthcare, which are seen as critical to the nation’s economic development and self-sufficiency.

In recent years, India has been working to boost its manufacturing capabilities through initiatives like Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-reliant India). However, the high tariffs have faced criticism from various stakeholders, including foreign firms and industry groups, who argue that they could hinder trade relations and increase costs for consumers.

As of October 2023, the government is in a phase of evaluating its tariff structures to balance these economic goals with the need for accessible technology and healthcare solutions for its population.