India, Pak wage war of nerves over Safta

NEW DELHI: The tussle between Pakistan and India over the implementation of Safta has become more intense. Not just that Pakistan is unwilling to give tariff concessions on products beyond the 773 items on the bilateral positive list, it has also come up with a grouse against India. Islamabad has alleged that India is providing tariff concessions to Pakistan and other non-LDCs on fewer items than the LDC members.

India, however, is not taking the allegation seriously. Speaking to ET official sources said that it is clearly mentioned in the Safta agreement that favourable treatment should be given to LDC members.

Other members, too, (except Pakistan) have given more concessions to LDCs.. “They have made the allegation just to counter the charge we have levelled against them of discrimination. It doesn’t amount to anything,” an official said. This, however, proves that the bitterness between Pakistan and India was worsening. This could affect the future of Safta.