India, led by Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, will emphasize the need to enhance the World Trade Organisation (WTO) during a ministerial conference in Cameroon from March 24–29. The delegation, including Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal, aims to bolster the WTO’s role in global trade amidst rising protectionism and geopolitical uncertainties.
The agenda for the conference includes discussions on crucial topics such as the China-led Investment Facilitation for Development (IFD) Agreement and the moratorium on e-commerce transmissions. India asserts that the IFD, as a plurilateral agreement, should not be imposed in a multilateral setting without full consensus, expressing concerns over potential limitations on regulating foreign direct investment.
India’s priorities at the WTO revolve around safeguarding food security, supporting small-scale farmers, and advocating for fair trade rules. The country seeks permanent solutions for public stockholding and aims to limit developed nations’ subsidies while protecting its right to minimum support prices without external interference.
In addition, India is committed to defending the interests of traditional fishers, advocating for policy space and opposing restrictions on subsidies crucial for their livelihoods. The nation calls for a 25-year transition period for developing countries to comply with subsidy bans, emphasizing the responsibility of developed nations in reducing subsidies related to industrial fishing.
Discussions at the conference may also touch upon tariff actions by the United States, with member countries expressing concerns over protectionist measures. India’s overarching position remains focused on strengthening the WTO to ensure a fair and rules-based multilateral trading system.
