Is India being pressured into trade deals that could weaken its own industries? The US is pushing India to sign a broad macro trade agreement instead of making minor tariff adjustments while also questioning India’s intellectual property (IP) protections. The US has long criticised India’s high tariffs on American products, but now it wants deeper commitments that could limit India’s policy flexibility. Meanwhile, experts have called for India to be placed on a trade watchlist over alleged weak IP protections, echoing past US complaints about India’s handling of patents and copyrights, especially in pharmaceuticals and technology. These pressures come as India is trying to build self-reliance in key industries.
Adding to this challenge is the entry of Starlink, which promises ultra-fast satellite internet but could disrupt India’s telecom market. Companies like Jio, Bharti Airtel etc will have to compete against a global giant with deep pockets and advanced technology. Without a strong and clear regulatory framework, Starlink’s dominance could sideline domestic players and shift control over India’s digital infrastructure to foreign hands. The survival of BSNL, India’s state-run telecom provider, is already uncertain, and with the arrival of Starlink, it could be pushed further to the margins, making the government’s revival efforts even more difficult.
India cannot afford to sign trade deals that prioritise foreign interests over its own industries, farmers, and workers. The government must take a firm stand, ensuring that any agreement safeguards domestic manufacturing, agriculture, and technology sectors. Weak IP laws should not become an excuse to pressure India into unfair trade terms, and regulatory decisions on telecom must prioritize national interest over corporate expansion. If India gives in to external pressures now, it will risk long-term dependence on foreign players at the cost of its own economic and digital sovereignty.
-Team CFA