AFTI applauds lawmakers for taking their case against India

The recently established Alliance for Fair Trade with India has commended both the House and Senate for calling on Obama Administration to end the alleged Indian discriminatory trade practices hurting American jobs.

Co-Chaired by National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) and the US Chamber of Commerce's Global Intellectual Property Center (GIPC), AFTI represents top American business and advocacy groups. It was formed early this week.

"The overwhelming bipartisan support from Congress pressing for action to stop India's unfair and damaging practices shows the scope and impact on American businesses and jobs," said NAM Vice President of International Economic
Affairs Linda Dempsey. "Our hope is that Secretary Kerry can engage India's leaders at the highest levels and urge them to put an end to these discriminatory practices," Dempsey said.

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"India's deteriorating intellectual property system is a detriment to economic growth, future innovation and competitiveness-for both India and the global economy," said GIPC executive vice president Mark Elliot. "The bipartisan support of more than 200 members of the House and Senate rings loud that Indian intellectual property practices cannot stand," he said.

In nearly half a dozen separate letters, more than 200 members of the House of Representatives and 42 influential Senators expressing concerns with India's discriminatory trade and intellectual property practices urged US President Barack Obama and Secretary of State John Kerry to take immediate action
to address them. The Alliance for Fair Trade with India was launched earlier this week by 15 multi-industry business groups to work with the Administration and members of Congress in pursuing public policy options that help create a level playing field for US exporters and innovative companies operating in India.