Rediff

New Delhi, Apr 13: As mangoes from Indian orchards are ready for shipment to the US, Harley Davidson will soon cruise on Indian roads with the government relaxing emission norms for the American luxury bike.

"We will soon issue a notification on the import of this premium bike," Commerce and Industry Minister Kamal Nath said after co-chairing the meeting of India-US Trade Policy Forum along with US Trade Representative Susan Schwab.

"The Indian mangoes are only a few days away from the shipment," Schwab said.

The Indian mangoes have not been allowed to the US market due to various non-trade barriers and the last hitch of radiation tests is being addressed. A radiation testing facility being set up in Mumbai on a cost-sharing basis is nearing completion.

Though bikes in India have to meet the Euro IV norms, Harley Davidson is being been given a liberal treatment. But its bikes would have to meet at least Euro III norms.

In the past, India had taken a tough stand on the import of Harley Davidson citing the American bike maker's inability to meet emission norms. The cruiser is considered a 'must-have' for the rich and the famous across the world.

Although, Harley will sell its bikes in India, it has maintained that the bikes will not be manufactured anywhere outside the US to maintain its 'Made in America' exclusivity.