← All questionsGS2 · 2014 · International Relations ·IT Agreement and India's Interests
MAINS 2014
GS2
12.5 marks

The aim of Information Technology Agreements is to lower all taxes and tariffs on information technology products by signatories to zero. What impact should such agreements have on India’s interests?

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9 min
200 words
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What the examiner wants

Assess how zero-tariff IT agreements affect India's interests.

DiscussExplain the different sides of the issue, use evidence, and finish with a balanced view.

Demand-wise check

  1. 1ITA-1 (1996, India joined 1997): zero duties on computers, telecom equipment, semiconductors≈35 words
  2. 2Positives: cheap IT hardware helped software sector growth, digital access≈35 words
  3. 3Negatives: domestic hardware manufacturing failed, large electronics import bill, trade deficit with China≈35 words
  4. 4India's stance: stayed out of ITA-2 (2015); policies like PLI and tariffs; WTO dispute≈35 words

Open in about 30 words and close in about 30.

Answer plan

ITA explainedBenefitsCostsIndia's stand on ITA-2Conclusion

Where marks usually go

  • Not distinguishing ITA-1 and ITA-2
  • Ignoring the electronics manufacturing angle

Draw this

  • Graph: electronics imports vs domestic production

Value addition

  • CaseWTO panel (2023) ruled against India in disputes by EU, Japan and Taiwan over tariffs on ICT products such as mobile phones; India appealed.WTO, 2023
  • SchemeProduction Linked Incentive scheme for large-scale electronics manufacturing (2020).MeitY, 2020