New Delhi: In a decisive move at the Abu Dhabi Ministerial Conference (MC13) of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), India defended its agricultural policies against the pressure exerted by developed nations advocating for a reduction in domestic support to agriculture. Led by Union Minister for Commerce Piyush Goyal, India reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the welfare of its farmers, despite facing diplomatic pressure from developed countries.Standoff at MC13: Abu Dhabi Declaration vs Indias defenseThe 13th Ministerial Conference of the WTO in Abu Dhabi concluded with the adoption of the Abu Dhabi Declaration. However, discussions on fisheries and agriculture failed to yield agreements as India remained steadfast in protecting its farmer-friendly policies.Union Minister Piyush Goyal reiterated Indias stance, emphasizing the governments unwavering commitment to shield farmers and fishermen from adverse impacts.At the conference, Union Minister Piyush Goyal said, “Our objective was that our farmers and our fishermen should not face any kind of harm, no crisis should come, and in that, we successfully did not allow any such decision to be taken that would harm any farmer or fishermen.Now at #WTOMC13AbuDhabi: Ministers gather in the last Heads of Delegation meeting to wrap up negotiations before the closing ceremony. pic.twitter.com/84cXKPwNga— WTO (@wto) March 1, 2024India says we should uphold farmer-friendly policiesDeveloped nations sought concessions from India to facilitate easier access to its agricultural markets. Demands included reductions in domestic support, such as the minimum support price (MSP) and subsidies for fisheries.Indias steadfast defense stemmed from the recognition of the critical role of public stockholding (PSH) in ensuring food security and welfare programs like the Prime Minister Garib Kalyan Ann Yojana (PMGKAY) and the National Food Security Act (NFSA). The governments procurement of agricultural produce at MSP levels serves to stabilize farmer incomes and mitigate market uncertainties.From peace clause to assertive defenseIndias approach to WTO negotiations has evolved over the years. In 2013, the government under Manmohan Singh acceded to a peace clause at the Ninth Ministerial Conference in Bali, pledging to find a permanent solution by MC11 in 2017.However, the NDA government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, adopted a more assertive stance, refusing to ratify the Trade Facilitation Agreement until concerns regarding public stockholding were addressed.Since then, India has maintained a resolute position at WTO Ministerial Conferences, prioritizing farmers interests over trade concessions with developed nations.Union Commerce & Industry Minister Piyush Goyal meets the Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, in Geneva, Switzerland pic.twitter.com/rfFH3IuiWh— ANI (@ANI) June 12, 2022Developed nations show frustration, expectationsDeveloped countries expressed frustration at Indias steadfast defense, attributing the lack of consensus on agriculture and fisheries to Indias stance. They urged the Modi-led government to reconsider its position in the spirit of promoting free trade.The road ahead at the Ministerial Conference 14Pending discussions from MC13 are set to continue during routine sessions at the WTO Secretariat in Geneva. Subsequently, deliberations will progress further during the next Ministerial Conference, slated to convene in Cameroon in two years.Indias unwavering defense at MC13 underscores its commitment to safeguarding the interests of its farmers and ensuring food security for its citizens amidst evolving global trade dynamics.
