India urges World Trade Organization (WTO) to permit subsidies for fisheries in developing nations to safeguard food and livelihood security for fishermen.
In a statement issued by the Indian government, India emphasized the importance of subsidies for developing countries and small economies in fostering the growth and diversification of their fisheries sector, while also recognizing the historical concerns regarding over-exploitation. India advocated for any comprehensive agreement on fisheries subsidies to be based on principles such as Common But Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDR-RC) and to incorporate provisions for Special and Differential Treatment (S&DT) appropriately, in line with other WTO agreements.
These sentiments were expressed during the Fisheries Subsidies session held on February 27 at the ongoing Abu Dhabi Ministerial Conference-13 (MC13) of the WTO. India has been advocating for special treatment for low-income fishing nations and the removal of restrictions on subsidies within their Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs).
The WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, adopted during the 12th Ministerial Conference (MC12) in June 2022, aims to curb harmful subsidies contributing to the depletion of global fish stocks. However, for the agreement to take effect, two-thirds of members must deposit their “instruments of acceptance” with the WTO. So far, 55 member countries have endorsed the agreement.
India had previously rejected the text on fisheries subsidy negotiations post-MC12, urging nations engaged in distant water fishing to cease subsidies for 25 years due to their extensive support measures. At MC13, India reiterated the call for a moratorium on such subsidies, emphasizing the harmful impact of large-scale fishing on marine resource sustainability.
Furthermore, India raised concerns over the proposed prohibition on specific fuel subsidies while excluding non-specific fuel subsidies, which account for approximately 22 percent of total fisheries subsidies. India stressed that disciplining non-specific fuel subsidies is crucial for effective fisheries conservation.
The WTO’s MC13, held in Abu Dhabi from February 26 to 29, brings together ministers from various countries to assess the multilateral trading system’s functioning and take necessary actions.
