Scotch whisky makers head for India

London, Oct 19 (IANS) A team of the Scottish Whisky Association has left for India to host an event designed to strengthen ties between India and the whisky industry.

Up to 400 key stakeholders, including government, media and trade, are expected to attend the 'Celebration of Scotch Whisky' at the British High Commissioner's residence in New Delhi.

The Scottish delegation is led by the chief executive of the Scottish Whisky Association, Gavin Hewitt. The Association wants to use the current EU-India Free Trade negotiations as an opportunity for wider trade deals in spirits.

Both the Scotch Whisky and Indian spirits industries are well placed to succeed in the future and to benefit from the new opportunities that are arising, Hewitt is expected to say at the event, according to Scotland on Sunday.

India last year reduced its tariffs on imported spirits and whisky exports to India are expected to increase in coming years as Scotch becomes more affordable.