India must clearly articulate what the country is trying to achieve with the recent policy changes for import of computers, laptops and tablets — that was the message from Arun Venkataraman, US Assistant Secretary for Commerce. The diplomat said that governments have a duty to fully consult and convey objectives to all stakeholders before implementing any policy.

Speaking exclusively to CNBC-TV18, Venkataraman said, “We know that India is still thinking about changes to the import policy on ICT. The US is 110% behind India’s efforts to ensure security and resilience of supply chains and the US is the most trusted supply chain partner for India. We would like to understand what India is trying to achieve with this policy and help it to reach that goal."

Venkataraman’s statement comes in response to India’s planned restrictions on import of computers, laptops and tablets, which have been postponed to September 2024. Meanwhile, companies importing such goods will have to seek authorisation via a government portal. The US official is in India to review the Indo-US Commercial dialogue and the partnership on Critical and Emerging Technologies.

When asked about the progress in talks between electric car maker Tesla and the Indian government for setting up manufacturing in India, Venkataraman said that he could not speak for Elon Musk owned company, but the US government is strongly supportive of companies like Tesla, Micron and First Solar who want to support Indian manufacturing.

“We are working with the Indian government on tools to support American companies. We need to ensure inputs don't face tariffs which are a disincentive to manufacturing. India, we know, is considering reducing tariffs among ways to support American business”, he said.

The official also added that India was a key partner in concluding negotiations on the supply chain pillar of Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF), and he hoped for the same momentum on the trade pillar which is under negotiations at present.

Venkataraman said that the India-Middle East-Europe (IMEC) Corridor has not been derailed by the ongoing Israel-Hamas war.

“We strongly support Israel in taking an appropriate response against Hamas. At the same time as Secretary Blinken said, the US wants to ensure that the conflict does not spill over to other areas. We are committed to continuing work on IMEC, and the Indian government has a desire to move full steam ahead on the project."

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(Edited by : Sangam Singh)

First Published:Oct 19, 2023 7:00 PM IST