
India’s Digital Regulation in Focus: Implications of the 2026 United States Trade Representative Report for American Companies
On March 31, 2026, the Office of the United States Trade Representative (“USTR”) furnished its annual National Trade Estimate Report, which identifies foreign trade barriers affecting U.S. companies, including several developments relating to India’s digital regulatory frameworks. The Report arrives at a time when India is assuming an increasingly central role in the global strategies of U.S. companies, reflecting sustained growth in its digital economy, a rapidly expanding middle class, and deeper U.S.-India trade engagement. At the same time, India’s regulatory framework governing digital platforms, data, and content is evolving in ways that are increasingly consequential for companies operating in the market. The Report highlights several of these developments, including content moderation requirements, data governance measures affecting cross-border flows, and ongoing concerns regarding intellectual property protection.
