[Indepth] India’s Stance on Data Transfers at WTO: Background & Implications

The World Trade Organization (WTO) has maintained a moratorium on customs duties for electronic transmissions since 1998, facilitating free digital trade globally. India, advocating for the interests of developing nations, opposes the extension of this moratorium, citing potential revenue losses and the need for digital sovereignty. This stance has sparked significant debate, affecting global digital trade negotiations and raising concerns within the international semiconductor industry about the future of cross-border data flows and digital trade policies.

Background of the Issue

Significance of Data Transfers in Global Digital Trade

Data transfers are integral to the modern di