NEW DELHI -- A few weeks ago, India and the United States agreed to remove quantitative restrictions on imports between the two countries. New Delhi will do away with curbs on 714 items this April and on another 715 a year later.
Although the World Trade Organization last September allowed India 15 months to implement this decision, Washington was unwilling to wait that long. It pressured India to lift the import control sooner; American companies will have market access in key areas such as agriculture, textiles, consumer goods and a host of other products.
It is most unfortunate that announcement of the pact was made in Washington. New Delhi remained silent, fearing criticism and ridicule from political opposition and domestic industry.