Key Issues for India at the WTO Ministerial Conference (MC13)
Food Security:
India seeks a permanent solution to public stockholding (PSH) of food grains for food security.
They oppose developed nations' objections to PSH programs claiming they distort global food prices.
India proposes amending the formula to calculate the food subsidy cap set by the WTO.
Joint Support Initiatives (JSIs) and Investment Facilitation:
India strongly opposes China-led efforts for an investment facilitation pact outside the WTO's mandate.
Agricultural Reforms:
India seeks to protect livelihoods of farmers and ensure equitable market access.
They oppose developed nations' push to reduce domestic support and increase market openness, citing substantial subsidies provided to their own farmers.
WTO Reforms:
India advocates for inclusive reforms considering developing countries' interests.
They oppose proposals for flexible negotiation processes, dropping consensus-based decision making, and integrating non-trade issues without consensus.
India supports reforms to improve the WTO's functioning while retaining key pillars like special treatment for developing nations and a fair dispute settlement mechanism.
Fisheries Subsidies:
India seeks a balanced approach based on the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities.
They advocate for allowing developing countries to subsidize fishing within their exclusive economic zones (EEZs) while urging developed nations to stop subsidizing fishing beyond EEZs.
E-commerce and Customs Duties:
India opposes the permanent extension of the moratorium on customs duties on electronic transmissions.
They aim to achieve termination of the moratorium at MC13.
Other Issues:
India maintains that labor and environment are non-trade issues and shouldn't be discussed at the WTO.
They oppose trade barriers like the EU's carbon tax and deforestation regulation, arguing that such issues belong in other forums.
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