Nath writes to PM: cut import duty on Harleys, will rev up Indo-US ties

The move, Nath wrote, would send “a very strong political signal as Harley Davidson motorcycles are an American icon.” The cut has been proposed by the India-US Trade Policy Forum and has the blessings of US Senate Majority leader Harry Reid, sources quoted the Minister as writing.

In April, India allowed the import of Euro III emission compliant bikes of 800 cc and above as a quid pro quo for US allowing export of mangoes from India. Import of super-bikes was earlier denied as India did not have emission norms for size 500cc-plus.

Bikes can be imported by individuals, companies and firms or original equipment manufacturers that have manufacturing and service network in India.

Nath is said to have argued that the duty cut on a motorcycle with engine capacity of 800cc-plus would not be detrimental to domestic manufacturers who were mostly producing sizes of 350cc and below.