India emphasized the need for transparent and inclusive reforms within the WTO during the ministerial conference in Cameroon. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal stressed the importance of keeping the special rights of developing countries at the core of the reform process. He highlighted the significance of non-discrimination and consensus-based decision-making to ensure equity in WTO agreements.
Goyal specifically mentioned the critical role of agriculture in supporting millions of livelihoods, especially in the Global South. He urged for urgent action on issues like public stockholding for food security, a special safeguard mechanism, and cotton, which are long-pending mandates. The minister reiterated India’s commitment to negotiating a Fisheries Subsidies Agreement that considers the needs of both current and future fishing practices while protecting the livelihoods of vulnerable fishers.
Addressing the challenges faced by the Dispute Settlement system, Goyal called for the restoration of an automatic and binding dispute resolution mechanism. He also emphasized the importance of incorporating plurilateral outcomes into the WTO framework through consensus, without imposing additional obligations on non-participating members. Additionally, he raised concerns regarding the extension of the moratorium on customs duties on electronic transmissions, calling for a careful reassessment due to its potential implications.
Goyal echoed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for technology to benefit all, emphasizing the equitable sharing of innovation and opportunities among WTO members. He urged for constructive engagement to ensure that the WTO remains central to global trade and effectively delivers on development, equity, and inclusiveness. Goyal emphasized the importance of transforming the WTO system to better serve the interests of marginalized populations, rooted in consensus and multilateralism.
