India-US Pact Strengthens ICT Ties, Offers Win for National Security

Union Minister Piyush Goyal emphasized India's strategy towards Information and Communication Technology (ICT) products, focusing on protecting national interests from countries practicing predatory pricing. Announcing the India-US Joint Statement, he highlighted the trade deal which cuts tariffs on Indian imports to the US from 50% to 18%.

Goyal clarified that the aim is to maintain fair competition and safeguard domestic industries without excluding global players. The arrangement will allow Indian smartphones to enter the US duty-free, further reinforcing the trade partnership between the two countries, which complements their economic strengths.

Securing essential ICT products like NVIDIA chips, AI equipment, and data centers from the US marks a significant win for India. Goyal underlined the importance of these technologies for national security and aligning IT growth with global trends. The bilateral trade agreement negotiations underscore India's empowerment on the global economic stage.