India reverses laptop licensing policy after U.S. lobbying

SOURCE www.foxnews.com
India reversed a laptop licensing policy after lobbying by U.S. officials, causing alarm in Washington. The U.S. scored a rare win by persuading India to roll back the policy, which required licenses for imported laptops. The U.S. is closely monitoring India's scrutiny of imported devices to ensure compliance with WTO obligations.

Key Points

  • The U.S. expressed concerns about India's policy changes affecting the trade relationship
  • India conceded that the policy rollout was a mistake
  • India reversed the policy due to realizing the insignificance of local manufacturing of laptops and tablets

Pros

  • U.S. officials successfully lobbied for India to reverse the laptop licensing policy
  • The policy reversal could improve the business environment and trade relationship between India and the U.S.

Cons

  • The sudden rollout of the policy caused alarm in Washington
  • India's policy changes create uncertainty in the business environment