Double taxation relief framework modernised: new clause clarifies treaty adoption, anti abuse safeguards, and documentation requirements.
Clause 159 empowers the Central Government to enter into and adopt agreements with foreign countries and notified specified territories, and permits specified domestic associations to enter into sectoral agreements subject to governmental adoption and notification. Agreements may provide relief from double taxation, avoidance of double taxation constrained by anti abuse safeguards, exchange of information to prevent evasion, and mutual assistance in tax recovery. The Act's provisions apply to the extent more beneficial to the taxpayer, but anti abuse measures in Chapter XI apply notwithstanding such benefit. Non residents must furnish a certificate of residence and prescribed documentation to claim treaty relief.

Treaty interpretation and anti-abuse primacy clarified: government may adopt association agreements while preserving treaty benefit limits.
Clause 159 authorises the Central Government to enter into agreements with foreign countries or notified territories and to adopt agreements between notified specified associations for double taxation relief, exchange of information, and mutual assistance in recovery. Taxpayers may claim the more beneficial of domestic law or a notified agreement, subject to documentary requirements for non-residents and the primacy of chapter-level anti-abuse provisions. A four-tier interpretive hierarchy for treaty terms is provided, with retrospective effect from the agreement's commencement.