India`s participation at trade talks doubtful

DEAL IN, LEFT OUT

"If the trust vote is held on July 22, there could be a problem," said an official.

However, if the vote is held a day earlier on July 21, India would initially be represented by commerce ministry officials instead of the minister. The WTO ministerial meet begins that day, and day one does not see any significant negotiations. WTO officials are okay with Nath arriving a little late, said Indian officials, but a further delay would not be acceptable.

Nearly 50 trade ministers are meeting at Geneva for a four to five day meeting beginning July 21 to finalise the Doha Round talks.

"One option with India is to ask for a postponement of the meet. But then other trade ministers would also have other commitments. We will have to wait and see," added the official.

The date for the trust vote is likely to be finalised on Friday. It is likely to be a two-day affair, with the voting taking place on the second day.

Meanwhile, senior commerce ministry officials are leaving for Geneva on Sunday. In fact, Nath is scheduled to reach Geneva on July 18 and start bilateral talks with the United States, European Union and other developing countries, which are members of the G-33 bloc. He may or may not be able to stick to this schedule, sources added.