Challenged WTO panel finding in US solar case: Minister

India has appealed against findings of a WTO panel on the solar case the country is contesting against the US, Commerce and Industry Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said today.
"India had filled an appeal against the WTO panel findings and the recommendations thereof. India's appeal primarily focuses on the need for a holistic approach to the issue of government procurement, keeping in view the public policy objectives of ensuring energy security and achieving ecologically sustainable growth, Sitharaman said in written reply to a Rajya Sabha question.
The Minister said there is no general stipulation under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM) for compulsory sourcing of locally manufactured solar cells and modules.

"In order to promote and make Indian solar cells and modules manufacturing industry competitive, government imposed the condition of procurement of locally manufactured solar cells and modules, only in a few of its program under the JNNSM," she said.
Replying to a separate query, Sitharaman said India had applied for membership of APEC in 1991 on the basis of its geographical location, potential size of the economy and degree of trade interaction with the Asia-Pacific.
"However, at the 5th APEC Leader's meeting in Vancouver in 1997, a decision was taken to place a 10-year moratorium on expanding membership, which continues informally till date," the Minister noted.

She said India is engaging with APEC member countries to develop a consensus on lifting the informal moratorium on accepting new members and to actively push for India's candidature for membership of APEC.
Replying to another query, Sitharaman said Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in his Budget Speech for 2016-17 has announced that 100 per cent FDI will be allowed through FIPB route in marketing of food products produced and manufactured in India.
The Minister, however, added that no decision has been taken by the government on the conditions of FDI in the sector.