The Indian Malt Whisky Association (IMWA) and the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) have signed a Cooperation Agreement to strengthen collaboration between India’s malt whisky industry and Scotland’s established Scotch whisky sector. The agreement was signed on October 21, 2026, at The Imperial Hotel in New Delhi, in the presence of Scotland’s First Minister, John Swinney, marking a significant step towards greater industry engagement, knowledge exchange and cooperation on shared priorities.
The agreement was signed by Maj Gen (Dr) Rajesh Chopra, AVSM (Retd), Director General of IMWA, and Ian Duddy, International Director of SWA. It establishes a framework for the two industry associations to exchange information, expertise and best practices while supporting the integrity and responsible development of their respective whisky categories.
Commenting on the partnership, Maj Gen (Dr) Rajesh Chopra said the agreement represented an important milestone in the evolution of India’s malt whisky industry and its engagement with established global whisky traditions. He highlighted opportunities to exchange expertise, strengthen product authenticity and promote responsible and sustainable industry practices. He also expressed the expectation that cooperation would help build trust in both categories and support the long-term growth and international recognition of Indian malt whisky.
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Under the agreement, IMWA and SWA will collaborate on sustainability, the protection and promotion of their respective products, and regulatory matters of mutual interest. The framework also covers cooperation on legal protection, intellectual property infringements and product authenticity, alongside efforts to promote responsible consumption.
The partnership brings together two distinct whisky traditions at a time when India’s premium spirits market and international trade relationships continue to evolve. For Indian malt whisky producers, engagement with an established international industry association offers a platform for knowledge-sharing and dialogue on product integrity, sustainability and market development.
For the Scotch whisky industry, the agreement provides an avenue to strengthen engagement with India’s malt whisky sector through cooperation between the respective representative bodies. While the agreement establishes a framework for collaboration, its practical impact will depend on the initiatives and activities undertaken by both associations.
The signing underscores a shared commitment to constructive industry engagement, authenticity and responsible growth as India and the UK deepen their economic and commercial ties.
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