Archive · 2 Sep 2026
India Plans Customs and Banking Reforms for Viksit Bharat
India wants to make it easier for businesses to bring goods through its ports.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the country plans more customs reforms.
New scanners could be used mainly for importers considered high risk.
Other shipments might be cleared automatically.
This could help reduce waiting times and crowding at ports.
The government has not said when the new system will begin.
India has also created a committee to study how banks can support the country’s development goals.
These changes are part of the plan for Viksit Bharat, meaning a developed India.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said India is preparing further customs and banking reforms.
Proposed customs changes would use scanners to check high-risk importers while automatically clearing other consignments.
The system is intended to reduce business delays and port congestion.
The government has not provided a timeline for the scanners or automatic clearance system.
A high-level committee has been appointed to examine banking’s future role in achieving Viksit Bharat.
- Who
- Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and the Indian government.
- What
- India is preparing additional customs reforms and reviewing the banking sector’s future role.
- When
- The announcement was made on the sidelines of the G20 Finance Ministers’ meeting; no implementation timeline was provided.
- Where
- The remarks were made in Asheville, while the customs changes would affect goods moving through Indian ports.
- Why
- To improve the business environment, reduce customs delays and port congestion, and support the country’s Viksit Bharat development goals.
- Finance minister
- Nirmala Sitharaman
- Customs proposal
- Use scanners for high-risk importers and automatically clear other consignments.
- Expected effect
- Reduce delays for businesses and ease congestion at ports.
- Implementation timeline
- No timeline was provided.
- Banking review
- A high-level committee has been appointed to examine banking for Viksit Bharat.
- Broader reform context
- The changes would build on reforms already undertaken in direct and indirect taxation.