A joint feasibility study (JFS) group that has recommended launching negotiations for the FTA advocated including e-commerce as a deliverable. The EAEU, which also includes Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan has demanded the creation of a common legal framework with India on e-commerce under the proposed FTA. Both the industry department and finance ministry are also opposed to allowing e-commerce companies to have warehouse models in India. This temporary moratorium on e-commerce has been extended at subsequent ministerial conferences including at the WTO Nairobi ministerial meeting in 2015. The US now wants to convert the temporary moratorium into a permanent one which India is likely to oppose at the Argentina ministerial meeting in December.

Source: Mint May 28, 2017 18:00 UTC