WTO and India — Current Affairs 2026
Current Affairs Connections
India's Position on WTO Fisheries Subsidies Agreement
June 2022The WTO's Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, concluded at MC12 in Geneva, represents a significant development in global trade rules with important implications for India's fishing industry and coastal communities. India supported the agreement while securing important flexibilities for developing countries, including a 25-year transition period for implementing monitoring and surveillance systems. The agreement prohibits subsidies for illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing and fishing of overfished stocks, while providing special and differential treatment for developing countries. For India, this agreement affects approximately 4 million people employed in the fisheries sector and coastal communities dependent on fishing for their livelihoods. India's negotiating position emphasized the need to protect small-scale and artisanal fishers while supporting sustainable fishing practices. The agreement includes provisions for technical assistance and capacity building, which India can utilize to modernize its fisheries sector and improve monitoring capabilities.
UPSC Angle: Expected questions on sustainable development goals, ocean governance, small-scale fisheries protection, and India's multilateral negotiation strategies
WTO Appellate Body Crisis and India's Reform Proposals
December 2023The WTO Appellate Body has been non-functional since December 2019 due to the US blocking appointments of new members, creating a crisis in the organization's dispute settlement system. India has been actively involved in efforts to resolve this crisis, proposing reforms that would address US concerns while maintaining the two-tier dispute resolution system. India's position reflects its experience as both a frequent user of the dispute settlement system and a target of trade disputes. The country has supported the Multi-Party Interim Appeal Arbitration Arrangement (MPIA) as a temporary solution while advocating for permanent reforms. India's proposals include measures to improve efficiency, address concerns about judicial overreach, and ensure that the system remains accessible to developing countries. The crisis has significant implications for India's trade policy, as it reduces the predictability and enforceability of WTO rules, potentially affecting India's ability to challenge discriminatory trade practices by other countries.
UPSC Angle: Questions likely on international organization reform, dispute resolution mechanisms, multilateralism challenges, and India's role in global governance