US Trade Representative Michael Froman believes India needs to do more on foreign direct investment. Froman, who is in India for the Trade Policy Forum (TPF), also stressed the importance of addressing intellectual property rights (IPR) issues. In an interview with BusinessLine, Froman shared his thoughts on the bilaterals between the two countries and whether the potential has been realized. Excerpts:
What is the US agenda for the 10th round of TPF?
The Trade Policy Forum allows one to discuss core areas within the relationship, including agriculture, services, manufacturing, and intellectual property rights (IPR). We have made important progress in these areas, but there is still more to be done, which is a good opportunity to focus on.
In which areas do you think full potential has not been realized?
The US and India are two large economies, trading just over $100 billion, which speaks to the fact that more can be done. The relationship may benefit from more regulatory reforms, transparent rules and regulations, and addressing impediments to investment. India has a lot of innovation in manufacturing and services. We are interested in discussing further steps to implement strong intellectual property rights laws to support that environment.
India has recently opened up several sectors by easing foreign investment rules. Where do you see the impediments?
There have been some important steps in opening up certain sectors, but there continue to be impediments in certain retail, financial, and professional services sectors, among others.
On the WTO solar panels dispute concerning domestic content requirements (DCR), India has said it will implement the ruling in the next phase, not immediately. Does that concern you?
We strongly support efforts by India and other countries to develop renewable energy and deploy solar panels and other sources of renewable energy. This case was important because it underscored that local content rules lead to more expensive and less efficient solar panels, which are not interested in expanding renewable energy supply. We will continue to work with India, an important partner in the Paris climate change negotiations and broader areas of energy cooperation, to help expand our cooperation in renewable energies.
While the US filed a case against India on DCR in its solar programs, several US States were found doing the same. Isn’t that a double standard?
We are confident that our programs are WTO-consistent. There are ways of promoting renewable energy that are WTO-consistent, and we think it is important to uphold our international obligations.
In the poultry dispute, India said it had made the required changes in import rules as per WTO ruling. Why is the US still not satisfied?
The US and India’s technical teams are discussing whether India’s actions will bring it into compliance with the WTO ruling. We have expressed concern with the measures implemented in July. We are now focused on reviewing an amendment that the Indian government recently issued to determine how it affects its compliance with its WTO obligations.
During the recently concluded India-US Strategic and Commercial Dialogue (S&CD), it seemed the Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) talks had been put on hold. What is your reaction?
Prime Minister Modi has clarified that he would like to improve India’s business environment for investment. We think that negotiating a high-standard Bilateral Investment Treaty could be consistent with his efforts to promote Make in India and attract investment. The US and India have their model BIT, and we have had a good, ongoing dialogue about the differences within our models and whether they may be bridgeable.
In the Nairobi Ministerial, the US and India differed on whether the Doha Round should be continued. What new issues are you planning to introduce?
India has been an active participant in helping to rejuvenate the WTO, both in understanding the need to take new approaches to outstanding issues and exploring new issues. Over the last year, there have been several good discussions in Geneva about what new issues might make sense to pursue. Whether it’s around e-commerce, small—and medium-sized enterprises, or others, WTO Member representatives in Geneva will continue to discuss these issues these issues to determine the best way forward.
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India’s IPR regime has been a major contention between both countries. The Indian government has also rolled out a National IPR Policy, yet why is the US still concerned?
We are now focused on how the policy will be implemented and will continue the dialogue with India on IPR issues, both under the National Policy and more broadly. There’s a lot to be done to address these IPR issues. However, the sign of a good, strong, mature trade and investment relationship is one in which we can engage frankly with each other over our differences, even as we cooperate in common interest.
