ASSOCHAM supports govt. on WTO stand, but India needs to strengthen alliances

India is fully justified in seeking a fair deal in the WTO, a deal which is balanced and in the interest of the developing countries as India cannot accept an international obligation which will disallow it to protect the vulnerable sections of the society, apex industry body ASSOCHAM said today.

"The food security is crucial for us. While Indian industry is all for global trade facilitation, we must stand behind the government in seeking a deal that is fair to all sections of the society and not the industry alone," said D.S. Rawat, secretary general of The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM).

"However, Indian negotiators need to work aggressively on building and forging alliances with the developing countries like Brazil, South Africa and China as also the members of the G-33 grouping so that India is not projected as a "fall guy" in the global negotiations,"added Rawat.