Press Trust of India: Several Indian policies still discriminatory against US

WASHINGTON: While Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government has increased focus on trade, there are still a substantial number of policies in India that block or discriminate against a wide array of US manufacturers and businesses operating in India, a trade body has said.

Alliance for Fair Trade with India (AFTI) report’s findings comes a day after International Trade Commission’s (ITC) released its report on trade and investment policies in India 2014-2015.

The report shows detailed industry-specific case studies that there are still a substantial number of policies in India that block or discriminate against a wide array of US manufacturers and businesses operating in India, AFTI said.

“While the report notes Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s increased focus on trade and the Indian government’s willingness to engage in policy discussions as positive steps, sufficient reforms that would significantly improve India’s business and investment climate have yet to be made,” AFTI said in a statement.

“We will look forward to continuing to work with policymakers from both countries toward policies in India that will break down barriers to trade and investment and strengthen the intellectual property and innovation environment to promote growth for US and Indian businesses alike,” the statement said.