India Facing Isolation at WTO on Food Subsidies, Emerges as Major Player in World Agri Market

India has opposed efforts of a group of 10 developed and developing countries, which has called for group consultations on food subsidies at the WTO, rather than bilaterally. Speaking at the WTO General Council meeting on October 7, India’s ambassador and permanent representative to the WTO Brajendra Navnit said he doesn’t understand their “hesitancy” to consult bilaterally. The issue is WTO rules which limit public procurement through MSP of foodgrains to within 10% of the value of the crop.