And why the next phase of growth needs demand to lead, writes Maj Gen (Dr) Rajesh Chopra, AVSM (Retd.), Director General, Indian Malt Whisky Association (IMWA)

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday participated in a small yet significant ritual takes place behind closed doors of the Finance Ministry - the Halwa Ceremony.

For decades, imported wines, whiskies, gins and other spirits sold into India carried some of the highest duty burdens in the world — often exceeding 150% on wine and spirits alike

Hosted by Debojit on Badhta India Dekho, this episode features Maj Gen (Dr) Rajesh Chopra, AVSM (Retd), Director General, Indian Malt Whisky Association (IMWA), sharing insights from a life shaped by discipline, leadership, and continuous learning.

The India-EU FTA significantly reduces tariffs across key categories including wine, spirits and beer, reshaping dynamics of premiumisation, quality standards and export opportunities for India’s burgeoning beverage sector.

The sealing of the India–EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which provides for steep reductions in import duties on wines, spirits and beer, has elicited a largely measured response from India’s alcoholic beverages industry.

New Delhi, Feb 26 (UNI) Welcoming India’s recent trade agreements with the UK, EU and the US, the Indian Malt Whiskey Association (IMWA),