Indian Minister Goyal Reiterates Call for Trust and Implementation in WTO Decisions
Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal reiterated India’s stance on the necessity of a robust dispute settlement system, emphasizing its importance in maintaining fairness, predictability, and effectiveness in international trade.
Speaking at the 13th Ministerial Conference in Abu Dhabi, Minister Goyal underscored the urgent need to rebuild trust within the World Trade Organization (WTO) and ensure the effective implementation of its decisions.
He stressed the restoration of the appellate body, inactive since December 2019 due to member appointments being blocked by the United States, as a crucial step towards upholding the rules-based global trade order.
Minister Goyal recalled the commitment of WTO members at the 12th Ministerial Conference to conduct discussions aimed at having a fully functioning dispute settlement system accessible to all members by 2024.
India reiterated its long-standing position that a credible and reliable WTO dispute settlement system is fundamental to an equitable, effective, secure, and predictable multilateral trading system. The country emphasized the importance of restoring the appellate body as a top priority.
The minister highlighted India’s commitment to principles of fair play and justice, emphasizing that all WTO decisions should prioritize the best interests of Indian farmers and fisher-folk.
He also stressed the alignment of WTO decisions with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), focusing on poverty alleviation, improving quality of life, and enhancing ease of living for all Indians. Additionally, Minister Goyal emphasized fostering strong and rapid growth in the ‘Amrit Kaal,’ highlighting this objective as guiding WTO decisions.