Sometimes, little gestures go a long way. In a world with trade barriers threatening to start rising again as globalisation comes under suspicion even in countries that led the charge against misery-maximising mercantilism, even a modest measure of openness can send out the desired signals of intent. So, now that commerce & industry minister Kamal Nath has asked Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to lower India?s import duty on motorcycles with engine capacities of over 800 cc, even policywatchers who reckon they have more important things to discuss ought to lend their voices of support to the move. At the stroke of a pen, it would put many more sets of Harley-Davidson wheels on Indian streets, and that too, without resulting in losses of either marketshare by domestic marketers or revenues by the government. The duty is currently at 60%, and a cut would act as a ?very strong political signal?, in Kamal Nath?s own words, ?as Harley Davidson motorcycles are an American icon?. This assumes special relevance in the context of the India-US Trade Policy Forum having recommended such a move to strengthen the bond between the two countries. Indeed, the brand is said to have found its way into many a casual conversation amongst high-level dignitaries during US President George W Bush?s visit to India in 2006.
No wonder, how the brand will be sold in India is a matter of high interest today. One thing is clear. Even though the US has allowed large-scale imports of Indian mangoes are a gesture of its own, a point noted by US Ambassador David Mulford in an article that appeared on this page some months ago, Indian interests cannot be subordinated to the need for reciprocal action. It will take Indian market demand to justify a duty rate cut. Luckily for all concerned, Harley Davidson has admirers all over the world, it being such a cult phenomenon amongst bikers who regard cars as ?cages? and these two-wheeled cruisers as an expression of freedom, and the brand would surely find many willing buyers in India as well. What India must loudly insist on, however, is the complete adherence of these bikers to Indian rules on speed limits and helmets. No form of freedom should be allowed to assume such authority over us that it overrides common sense.
