India tells US it's willing to reduce import duties on telecom equipment

Changes to e-commerce policy draft may be made, New Delhi tells Wilbur Ross

India has proposed to reduce import duties on telecom equipment, including mobile phones and smart watches, and offered an optimum duty reduction package, in line with the United State’s (US’) demands.

According to sources, Commerce and Industry Minister Suresh Prabhu told US Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross that duties on IT products — a key US concern — may be cut, but not eliminated.

A ministerial-level meeting on Monday also saw India assure the US that certain changes to the draft e-commerce policy would be forthcoming once all stakeholder comments are considered.

Since under the World Trade Organization rules, import duties have to be