The Taxation, Tariffs & Regulatory Affairs Committee conducted a webinar for members on October 13th on ‘Decoding the 57th GST Council Meeting.’ The webinar highlighted key policy announcements and proposed reforms aimed at simplifying GST compliance, improving tax certainty, reducing litigation, and enhancing ease of doing business in India. Discussions covered export liberalization, expanded input tax credit (ITC) eligibility, significant reforms in GST refunds, including automated processing and broader coverage of accumulated credits, and clarifications on the GST treatment of various goods and services. Speakers highlighted measures to streamline registration, simplify return filing, and strengthen trust-based tax administration. Particular attention was given to dispute resolution reforms, including the proposed removal of arrest provisions, higher prosecution thresholds, rationalization of penalties, and greater transparency in adjudication. The webinar examined the implications of these changes for U.S. companies operating in India, particularly in terms of compliance costs, working capital, operational efficiency, and tax certainty. Overall, the discussions welcomed the reform-oriented approach while emphasizing the importance of clear notifications, timely implementation, and practical guidance to ensure that industry can fully benefit from the proposed measures. Expert speakers included: Mr. Rohinton Sidhwa, Chairman – Tax, Tariff & Regulatory Affairs Committee, AMCHAM and Leader, Business Tax, Deloitte India, Mr. D.P. Nagendra Kumar, Former Member, CBIC, Government of India, Senior Advisor, Deloitte India, Ms. Punita Bhuchar Rana, Partner, Indirect Tax, Deloitte India, and Ms. Jayashree Parthasarathy, Partner, Indirect Tax, Ernst & Young India. Wg Cdr Rajiv Anand, Senior Director, AMCHAM coordinated the webinar.