India to Safeguard Agriculture and Fisheries Interests at WTO Ministerial Conference in Cameroon
India is set to firmly protect its agriculture and fisheries interests at the upcoming World Trade Organization (WTO) Ministerial Conference, as confirmed by government sources on Thursday. The high-stakes meeting, scheduled from March 26 to 29 in Yaounde, Cameroon, is being termed a "Reform Ministerial" by senior officials, with New Delhi emphasizing its unwavering stance on issues critical to Indian farmers and fishermen.
India's Stance on Agriculture and Fisheries
In the agriculture sector, which is vital for India's vast farming population, government insiders have indicated that no immediate breakthrough is expected. However, India will not compromise on its long-held positions, including public stockholding for food security and domestic agricultural support. Similarly, on fisheries subsidies—a topic that has seen decades of negotiations—India is poised to defend the livelihoods of its fishing communities, ensuring their protection remains a top priority during the discussions.
Broader Trade Discussions and Reforms
Beyond agriculture and fisheries, the conference will address several other key trade issues. Government sources have noted that discussions around US tariff policies are likely, given current global trade tensions. The e-commerce moratorium, which prevents WTO members from imposing customs duties on electronic transmissions, is also expected to be a prominent topic, with many countries pushing for deeper dialogue. Defining e-commerce conclusively remains a significant challenge in international trade law.
Additionally, there is a proposal to consider incorporating the Joint Statement Initiative (JSI), launched in 2017, as an Annex 4 agreement. This would formalize plurilateral trade pacts among WTO member countries, potentially shaping future trade frameworks.
India's Role and Objectives
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal will lead India's delegation to the ministerial conference. Sources expressed confidence that India will play a constructive and influential role in shaping the discussions. An official reiterated New Delhi's commitment to a rules-based multilateral trading system, stressing that the WTO must become more effective in serving all members, especially developing nations.
The Cameroon ministerial will be closely monitored as India advances its demands for equitable agricultural support, public stockholding, and a fairer global trading order. With the welfare of farmers and fishermen at the forefront, India aims to ensure that its interests are robustly represented in the ongoing reform agenda.
