India-UK free-trade agreement: Carmakers object to sharp import duty cut

India's auto industry push for a phased duty reduction to protect interests

With India and the United Kingdom (UK) entering the last lap of the negotiations over a free-trade agreement, passenger vehicle makers in India have raised concerns about any sharp reduction in Customs duty on imported vehicles under the pact.

During stakeholder consultations spearheaded by the government, carmakers have argued that allowing lower tariffs for passenger cars shall set a precedent for duty cuts. They argued that competing countries in the European Union shall also seek such a measure and this will ultimately hurt the domestic industry as India is negotiating an FTA with the trading bloc, too. 

Besides, duty concessions to companies