India, March 7 -- As reciprocal tariffs by the US administration are likely to be implemented from April 2, industry leaders on Thursday said they are optimistic that a well-structured Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) between two partners who trust each other will be hammered out for the electronics sector.

India currently imposes a 16.5 per cent basic customs duty (BCD) and surcharge on smartphones and electronics from the US. The country is also building a strong domestic manufacturing ecosystem by focusing on four interconnected pillars: infrastructure for a solid foundation, technology for modernisation, skill development for a capable workforce, and market access to drive demand and growth.

According to India Cellular and Electronic...