India on Friday asserted that given the importance the data storage would have in times to come especially in an era of digital economy, all the discussions and debates on data should be held in the WTO context as the movement of data is certainly “one form of trade”.
“We would like the international rule making on data to be based on WTO context, because movement of data is actually one form of trade,” Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale told reporters here after Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a series of key engagements including an Informal Meeting of the BRICS leaders.
Gokhale said that India’s position on the issue – that is also “shared” by BRICS countries that any negotiation on data should not be held in grouping outside the WTO context.”…..be that be G20 or group of countries within the WTO or individual countries who take position,” he laid emphasis on.
“This is important as in the future when the digital economy grows, the flow of data will be critical to trade,” Gokhale said adding therefore the rule making must involve all countries.
