Even as the World Trade Organisation members have ratified the need to change the Information Technology Agreement (ITA), Nasscom President R Chandrashekhar on Friday said there was a need to protect “our interests” in services and technology.

India’s reservations According to him, restrictions and constraints are coming up outside trade agreements, like movement of technically skilled persons, or even the movement of data.

India had earlier expressed reservations to be a part of the new ITA.

“These trade agreements do give access to India’s market to companies globally. So the question is, what are we getting in return, and whether our services are getting the reciprocal access,” Chandrashekhar said on the sidelines of a Retail Summit organised by the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC).

The agreement to update the WTO’s 18-year-old Information Technology Agreement, adds more than 200 products to the list of goods covered by zero tariff and duty free trade.

Products included Some of the duty free products include computer software and software media, video game consoles, printer ink cartridges, GPS devices, and medical devices, amongst others.

“What is happening in trade is happening; but restrictions are coming up outside trade agreements. I think it is important that we need to ensure that even as these global trade agreements are reached that cover the goods, we do protect our interests in service and technology,” he added.

To a question whether the move will impact handset makers or Indian telecom vendors’ decision to assemble handsets, the Nasscom President said telecom, telecom devices and equipment were all covered under the previous zero tariff agreements.

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