Asserting that India’s stand was “reinforced” during the recently-concluded 10th ministerial round of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) negotiations at Nairobi, the government on Wednesday informed P
Asserting that India’s stand was “reinforced” during the recently-concluded 10th ministerial round of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) negotiations at Nairobi, the government on Wednesday informed Parliament that it had ensured protection of farmers’ interests without succumbing to pressures from countries like the US and EU. Rejecting the claims that it came “empty handed” from the WTO, commerce minister Nirmala Sitharaman informed Rajya Sabha that India did not “bow before anybody’s pressure”. The minister said the larger coalition was still with India at the talks in Nairobi last week. Replying to clarification by members on the issue, Ms Sitharaman said India sought and succeeded in obtaining a re-affirmative ministerial decision on public stockholding for food security purposes honouring both Bali and General Council decisions and “we will not be pulled to any court of WTO” as few members apprehended.
She said a few developed countries, including the US, are opposed to the continuation of the Doha Round and the Nairobi Ministerial Declaration acknowledged that members have different views on how to address the future of the Doha Round negotiations but noted strong commitment of all members to advance negotiations on the remaining Doha issues.
The minister added that a large group of developing countries has been seeking a Special Safeguard Mechanism (SSM) for agriculture products in future discussions in WTO, India negotiated a ministerial decision which recognises that developing countries will have the right to have recourse to an SSM as envisaged in the mandate.
The Minister said in Bali, it was agreed that a permanent solution would be given by 2017 and it will be India’s endeavour to obtain it.
Earlier, Congress member and former Commerce Minister Anand Sharma asked the government to clarify its stand on public stock holding of foodgrains for food security purposes that it has taken at the WTO.
There was also a verbal spat between HRD minister Smriti Irani and Mr Sharma after which deputy chairman P J Kurien diffused the situation asking the minister and member to take their seats.
