The India Solar Manufacturing Association (ISMA) has urged the government to include solar cells and modules in the proposed India-US Free Trade Agreement (FTA) to eliminate import duties and strengthen India's solar manufacturing sector. 

In its recommendations to the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, ISMA advocated for a zero-duty trade policy covering solar cells, modules, polysilicon, ingots, and wafers, key components in solar panel production. The association believes this will enhance India’s upstream manufacturing capabilities and global competitiveness. 

Additionally, ISMA requested duty-free imports of capital goods and photovoltaic (PV) manufacturing equipment from the US and proposed incentives to attract American solar fabricators to set up manufacturing facilities in India. 

"India's solar manufacturing sector is on the brink of becoming a global leader. A well-structured trade agreement, backed by policy continuity and safeguards, could be a defining moment for India's clean energy ambitions," ISMA stated. 

With India aggressively expanding its renewable energy sector, strategic trade policies could accelerate its transition to self-reliance and global leadership in solar technology. 

(knnindia)