The agreement establishes a framework for cooperation on sustainability, product authenticity, intellectual property protection and regulatory matters, strengthening engagement between India’s malt whisky and Scotland’s Scotch whisky industries.
NEW DELHI, 26 October 2026: The Indian Malt Whisky Association (IMWA) and the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) have signed a Cooperation Agreement at The Imperial Hotel, New Delhi, in the presence of Scotland’s First Minister, John Swinney. The agreement marks a step towards strengthening engagement between India’s malt whisky industry and Scotland’s established Scotch whisky sector.
The agreement was signed by Maj Gen (Dr) Rajesh Chopra, AVSM (Retd), Director General, IMWA, and Ian Duddy, International Director, SWA.
Agreement to Strengthen Industry Collaboration
Speaking on the occasion, Maj Gen (Dr) Rajesh Chopra, AVSM (Retd), Director General, IMWA, said,
“This agreement marks an important milestone in the evolution of India’s malt whisky industry and its engagement with established global whisky traditions. Our partnership with the Scotch Whisky Association creates an opportunity to exchange expertise, strengthen product authenticity and promote responsible, sustainable industry practices. By working together on shared priorities, we can build greater trust in our respective categories while supporting the long-term growth and international recognition of Indian malt whisky.”
The agreement comes at an important stage in India-UK economic relations, following the entry into force of the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), commonly referred to as the Free Trade Agreement (FTA). As the agreement opens new avenues for bilateral trade, closer engagement between industry bodies could strengthen dialogue, facilitate knowledge exchange and help businesses navigate opportunities in both markets.
Focus on Sustainability, Authenticity and Intellectual Property
The Cooperation Agreement establishes a framework for collaboration between IMWA and SWA through the exchange of information, knowledge and industry practices. Key areas of focus include sustainability, the protection and promotion of their respective products, and engagement on regulatory matters of mutual interest.
The agreement also provides for cooperation on legal protection, product authenticity, intellectual property infringements and the promotion of responsible consumption.
By bringing together two distinctive whisky traditions, the agreement reflects a shared commitment to constructive engagement, protecting product integrity and supporting the responsible development of their respective categories. It provides a platform for both associations to exchange expertise and address issues of common interest as bilateral trade and industry engagement continue to evolve.
About the Indian Malt Whisky Association (IMWA)
Established in July 2024 as a not-for-profit industry body, the Indian Malt Whisky Association serves as the unified voice of India’s malt whisky producers. Its mandate is to protect, preserve and promote the integrity of the category.
Representing leading distillers, IMWA focuses on developing globally aligned standards for quality, authenticity and production while addressing challenges such as misrepresentation and fragmented regulation.
Through advocacy, standardisation, and frameworks for certification and intellectual property, the association aims to strengthen the international credibility of Indian malt whiskies. It also seeks to position India as a premium participant in the global whisky market, drawing on its distinctive terroir, craftsmanship and evolving distillation expertise.
