Steps on Chinese imports in line with WTO norms, says India

NEW DELHI: Rejecting China's charge that India is resorting to trade barriers in violation of WTO rules, New Delhi ON Friday said the steps to check import surge from the neighbouring country are in line with the multilateral trade norms.

The issues of anti-dumping measures and safeguard duties by India came up for discussion between a Chinese delegation led by Chinese Vice Minister of Commerce Zhong Shan and Revenue Secretary P V Bhide.

"They (Chinese) are concerned over anti-dumping and safeguard measures stating they are not in line with the WTO agreement," an official said.

After his talks with Zhong yesterday, Commerce secretary G K Pillai had said the safeguard duties on import of Chinese goods and anti-dumping measures taken by India conformed to multilateral trade rules.

India has taken anti-dumping measures on 17 items of imports from China and imposed safeguard duties on several items like soda ash and aluminium.

Although China expressed concern on trade barriers, the meeting held between the Chinese delegation and Bhide also deliberated on several suggestions for improving bilateral trade, which is estimated at over USD 51 billion in 2008-09. However, it is highly skewed in favour of China.