WTO talks: Disappointed on Doha issues, says Nirmala Sitharaman

India has said the WTO draft declaration reflected the country's demand for a reaffirmation from all members to work towards a permanent solution on public stockholding and to develop a special safeguard mechanism for agricultural products that will be available for developing countries but regretted non- reaffirmation of the Doha Development by some members.

It provides a ministerial affirmation that till such time a permanent solution is found, the peace clause shall continue to be in place, a Commerce and Industry Ministry statement said here.

"Bali& Gen.Council decisions on Publ.stockholding of food grains is reaffirmed & committed for a work plan for a perm.sol," commerce and industry minister Nirmala Sitharaman tweeted.

The declaration circulated on Saturday after hectic discussions reflects the divisions amongst the WTO membership on the issue of the reaffirmation of the Doha mandate.

India, along with other developing countries, especially most members of the G-33, LDCs, the Africa Group and the Africa, Caribbean and Pacific group, wanted a reaffirmation of the mandate of the Doha Round.

While the majority were in favour, a few members opposed the reaffirmation of the Doha mandate. “This marks a significant departure from the fundamental WTO principle of consensus-based decision making,” it said.