India's Role as a Consensus Builder at WTO Undermined by Some Nations: Goyal

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal emphasized India's role as a consensus builder within the World Trade Organisation (WTO) during the ongoing 13th ministerial conference (MC). Addressing concerns about certain countries breaking this consensus, Goyal reiterated India's commitment to fair play and justice at the WTO. He highlighted India's efforts to ensure that decisions made within the WTO are in the best interests of its farmers and fisherfolk.

Goyal stressed the importance of restoring trust in the WTO's ability to deliver and ensuring adherence to decisions made within the organization. He emphasized the need for a functional appellate body to address disputes effectively, advocating for a resolution mechanism that upholds the rules of fair trade.

Regarding disputes within the WTO, Goyal emphasized the need for addressing concerns raised by developing countries like India, particularly regarding issues such as public stock holding of food. He underscored the importance of refraining from introducing issues outside the WTO's mandate into its agenda, emphasizing that such matters should be handled by relevant bodies separately.

Goyal also addressed the issue of fisheries subsidies, calling for accountability from nations responsible for overfishing and depletion of fish stocks. He emphasized the importance of ensuring fair and balanced outcomes that protect the interests of farmers, the poor, and fishermen.

Regarding the proposal for investment facilitation for development (IFD) led by China, Goyal reiterated India's opposition to its inclusion in the WTO's agenda, emphasizing that investment falls outside the organization's mandate.

Overall, Goyal's statements underscore India's commitment to fostering consensus within the WTO while advocating for fair and equitable outcomes that prioritize the interests of developing countries like India.