WTO talks conclude, leaves India disappointed

After hectic negotiations for five consecutive days, the WTO Trade Ministers concluded their talks last evening without any commitment on rich countries being asked to check their domestic subsidies.

India has expressed its disappointment over non-reaffirmation to conclude 14-year-old Doha Round pacts, even as WTO meeting in Nairobi managed to win a commitment to allow developing nations to use special safeguards to protect farmers against import surges.

Besides, rich nations refused to budge on their long-standing position of putting the onus on developing countries with regard to duties. However, the members of the global trade body agreed on a commitment for giving the developing nations a right to take recourse to Special Safeguard Mechanism to protect their farmers, a long-standing demand of India.

Union Minister of State, Commerce and Industry Nirmala Sitharaman said, India put across its position very clearly on the table and strongly protested against the failure to reach a unanimity on 'reaffirmation' to conclude over 14-year-old Doha round to safeguard developing nations' interest.