Digital Trade and Economic Diplomacy: A Comparative Study of India, the US, and the UK

Abstract

India's Digital India program and National e-commerce Policy Framework aim to promote digital trade, backed by a regulatory framework for data localization, privacy, and consumer rights. The US, represented by USTR, prioritizes open markets and intellectual property rights, while the UK focuses on fostering an enabling environment for digital trade through policies like the Digital Economy Act and GDPR.

Digital trade positively impacts GDP growth, job creation, and innovation in these countries. Challenges, such as market concentration and data privacy, necessitate effective policies and regulations.

Future digital trade and economic diplomacy will be influenced by trends like digital platforms, e-commerce, data flows, AI, blockchain, and IoT. Policymakers must anticipate these developments and formulate policies that foster fair competition, secure data flows, and encourage innovation. Comparative analysis and research are crucial for evaluating policy effectiveness and identifying areas for improvement.