CBDT Webinar on New Income‑Tax Act 2025 – International Tax & Transfer Pricing Highlights
On 9 June 2026, the CBDT and PwC India held a webinar with over 1,100 participants from 16 countries to explain the transition to the Income‑tax Act, 2025 and the upcoming Income‑tax Rules, 2026. Senior tax officials highlighted the importance of Transfer Pricing, Advance Pricing Agreements and Safe Harbour provisions, underscoring their relevance for India’s international tax framework and UPSC GS‑3 preparation.
Overview The CBDT and PwC India hosted an online session on 9 June 2026 to explain the transition to the Income-tax Act, 2025 and the forthcoming Income-tax Rules, 2026 . The webinar focused on International Taxation and Transfer Pricing aspects. Key Developments Over 1,100 participants from 16 overseas jurisdictions (USA, UK, Australia, China, Singapore, Cyprus, Japan, Mauritius, Qatar, UAE, etc.) attended. Senior officials – Ms. Monica Bhatia (Principal Chief Commissioner, International Taxation), Shri Raman Chopra (Chief Commissioner, International Taxation) and Dr. Anjula Jain (Commissioner, International Taxation‑2) – presented the roadmap for the new law. Emphasis on the growing role of Advance Pricing Agreements and the need for robust Safe Harbour provisions to aid taxpayers. Presentation of comparative analysis between the Income-tax Act, 1961 and the new 2025 Act, highlighting new forms, procedural updates and structural reforms. Important Facts The session allowed participants to raise queries, which were answered by the senior officers. Feedback was positive, with many requesting similar engagements in the future. The webinar served as a platform for knowledge sharing on India’s evolving tax framework and underscored the importance of international cooperation. UPSC Relevance Understanding the new tax regime is essential for GS‑3 (Economy) as it impacts fiscal consolidation, foreign investment and compliance burden. The focus on Transfer Pricing and APA reflects India’s alignment with global tax standards such as the OECD Base‑Erosion and Profit‑Shifting (BEPS) project. Way Forward Stakeholders are encouraged to study the detailed provisions of the Income-tax Act, 2025 and the upcoming Income-tax Rules, 2026 . Continuous dialogue with the department, leveraging Safe Harbour mechanisms and seeking APA where applicable will help taxpayers adapt smoothly.
Quick Reference
Key Insight
New Income‑tax Act, 2025 strengthens transfer pricing and draws foreign investment
Key Facts
- The CBDT, with PwC India, held a webinar on 9 June 2026 on the Income‑tax Act, 2025 and Rules, 2026.
- More than 1,100 participants from 16 overseas jurisdictions attended the session.
- Senior CBDT officials – Ms. Monica Bhatia, Shri Raman Chopra and Dr. Anjula Jain – presented the roadmap.
- The new Act places greater emphasis on Advance Pricing Agreements (APA) and Safe Harbour provisions for transfer pricing.
- A side‑by‑side comparison of the Income‑tax Act, 1961 and the Income‑tax Act, 2025 was presented, highlighting new forms and procedural changes.
- The reforms align India’s tax framework with OECD BEPS recommendations and aim to boost foreign investment.
Background
India is overhauling its direct tax law to modernise compliance and attract global capital. International taxation and transfer pricing are key to preventing base erosion and ensuring fair tax on cross‑border transactions, both core topics in GS‑3 and GS‑2 syllabi.
UPSC Syllabus
- GS2 — Bilateral, regional and global groupings involving India
- GS3 — Indian Economy - Planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment
Mains Angle
In a GS‑3 answer, discuss how the 2025 tax reforms, especially APA and Safe Harbour, can improve fiscal consolidation and foreign investment, linking them to India’s commitment to global tax standards.