India-UK Trade Deal Sets a New Benchmark for India’s Digital Trade

In early May, India and the United Kingdom (UK) announced the conclusion of their free trade agreement (FTA), touted as the most comprehensive trade deal India has ever signed. While the full text of the agreement has yet to be released, it is clear that the digital trade chapter marks a notable development in India’s trade policy. Out of the 21 free or preferential trade agreements signed by India, only two — with Singapore and the United Arab Emirates — include a chapter on digital trade. However, both those chapters were either limited in scope or couched in non-binding language. By contrast, the India-UK FTA reflects a significant deepening of India’s digital commitments. The commitments, particularly on cross-border data flows, source code protection, and the prohibition of customs duties on electronic transmissions, will not only shape India’s digital governance trajectory but also influence its negotiations with the European Union (EU) and the United States.  

Link: India-UK Trade Deal Sets a New Benchmark for India’s Digital Trade — ORF America