ISMA Calls for Zero-Duty Trade in Solar Cells

The India Solar Manufacturing Association (ISMA) has urged the government to advocate for the inclusion of solar cells and modules in the India-US free trade agreement to abolish duties. ISMA suggests zero-duty trade to boost India's manufacturing sector, potentially making it a global leader.

The India Solar Manufacturing Association (ISMA) on Monday urged the Indian government to incorporate solar cells and modules into the proposed free trade agreement with the United States, seeking to eliminate existing duties on these products.

In recommendations made to the government amid ongoing trade agreement discussions, ISMA wrote to the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, advocating for zero-duty trade between India and the US on solar cells and modules. The association further recommended duty-free importation of polysilicon, ingots, and wafers, proposing it as a means to bolster India's manufacturing potential in upstream segments.

The association also called for duty-free importation of PV manufacturing-related capital goods and equipment from the US, along with additional incentives for American manufacturers to establish production bases in India. ISMA posited that with a solid trade framework and strong policies, the trade agreement could catapult India to global leadership in the solar manufacturing industry.

(With inputs from agencies.)