New Delhi, Feb. 7 -- India is accelerating its efforts to lower import tariffs and phase out additional levies as its domestic manufacturing sector strengthens, according to top finance ministry officials.

The move aligns with the government's strategy to improve efficiency in value chains and shed its reputation as a high-tariff economy.

Sanjay Agarwal, chairman of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs, confirmed that stakeholder consultations would soon begin with various ministries to explore further tariff reductions without harming local industries.

"As our manufacturing capabilities deepen, custom duties must be reduced to avoid inefficiencies," he told Bloomberg in an interview. However, he refrained from specifying a ...