Topic
wto
Regulations & Compliance India's WTO Fisheries Subsidy Agreement Ratification Sparks Concern Among Traditional Fishermen
India formally ratified the WTO Fisheries Subsidy Agreement on July 20, 2026, becoming the 123rd member. Fisherfolk groups in Kerala, including KADAL and the Kerala Fishermen Coordination Committee, have raised strong objections, warning that implementation could threaten the livelihoods of millions of traditional fishermen who rely on government subsidies for survival. They argue that developed countries provide far larger subsidies per worker, and that India's fishing communities, 68% of whom live below the poverty line, need continued support.
Trade India Reiterates Commitment to Open, Rules-Based Multilateral Trading System at WTO Review
India has reiterated its commitment to an open, inclusive, transparent and rules-based multilateral trading system during the final session of its Eighth Trade Policy Review at the WTO in Geneva. Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agarwal said WTO reform should remain development-oriented and preserve policy space for developing countries, while highlighting India's tariff reforms, customs simplification measures and FTA strategy.
Trade WTO Nations Query India’s PLI, QCO, Import Substitution; New Delhi Defends Public Policy Objectives
At India's Trade Policy Review, 44 WTO members submitted over 1,090 written questions, with more than 700 answered before the meeting. Concerns focused on predictability and transparency of India's PLI schemes, QCOs, import substitution policies, and other trade measures. New Delhi defended its policies as legitimate public policy objectives.
Trade India's Growth Strong but Trade Barriers Threaten 2047 Goal: WTO Trade Policy Review
A WTO Trade Policy Review report highlights India's strong economic growth as the fastest-growing G20 economy, with GDP projected at 6.8-7.2% for FY2027-28. However, it warns that structural challenges including high trade costs, tariffs, and regulatory complexity must be addressed for India to achieve its Viksit Bharat vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047. The report notes India's record exports of $863.1 billion in 2025-26 and a strategic shift towards free trade agreements.
Trade WTO Urges India to Cut Reliance on Trade-Restrictive Measures, New Delhi Flags Global Non-Tariff Barriers
The WTO's 8th Trade Policy Review for India urges New Delhi to reduce reliance on high tariffs, import/export controls, and state trading enterprises. India counters by flagging rising non-tariff measures by trading partners that constrain its market access. The TPR meeting is scheduled for July 21 and 23.
Trade India Targets 10% Share in Global Merchandise Exports by 2047: WTO Report
India aims to increase its share of global merchandise exports from about 1.8% in 2024 to around 10% by 2047, according to a WTO report. The report highlights export promotion under the Viksit Bharat vision, India's stance on WTO reform, and recent customs duty changes eliminating the highest rates.
Trade India Deposits Instrument of Acceptance for WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies on 20 July 2026
India deposited its Instrument of Acceptance of the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies on 20 July 2026, becoming a party to the pact. The agreement, adopted in June 2022 and effective from September 2025, prohibits subsidies for illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and for overfished stocks. It disciplines harmful subsidies for industrial fishing fleets, benefiting small-scale fishers in India, while aquaculture and inland fisheries remain outside its scope.
Regulations & Compliance India Joins WTO Fisheries Subsidies Agreement to Support Sustainable Fishing
On July 20, 2026, India formally joined the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies (AFS), prohibiting government support for illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing and overfished stocks. The agreement, effective since September 15, 2025, is the first multilateral WTO pact with an environmental sustainability objective, protecting small-scale fishers and disciplining subsidies for large industrial fleets.
Regulations & Compliance Rethinking Agricultural Trade: WTO Must Recognise Farmer Health Capital to Correct Distortions
The article argues that conventional WTO trade theory ignores farmer health depreciation, creating artificial export advantages. It proposes recognising Farmer Health Capital (FHC) and reclassifying public health investments under the WTO Green Box to correct market distortions.
Trade WTO to set up dispute panel in China's case against India's solar, IT goods measures
The WTO has agreed to set up a dispute settlement panel to examine China's complaint that India's tariffs and incentive measures on solar energy and information technology products discriminate against Chinese goods. India had previously blocked China's first request in May, but the second request was accepted at a WTO meeting in Geneva. The panel will assess whether India's measures comply with its WTO commitments.
Trade WTO Reports Slowdown in Global Goods Trade Growth
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