India Proposes 8 Safeguards For Plurilateral Initiatives, Agreements At WTO

New Delhi, Sep 21 (KNN) India has proposed safeguards for plurilateral initiatives and agreements at the World Trade Organization (WTO), stressing that such arrangements should complement, rather than weaken, the multilateral trading system.

In a communication circulated on September 15, India said plurilateral cooperation could address specific issues but should not become a substitute for multilateral rule-making. It called for a common understanding of the legal and institutional implications of such initiatives to protect the integrity of the WTO framework.

Eight Principles Proposed

India said the safeguards should be anchored in the Marrakesh Agreement and core WTO principles, including consensus-based decision-making, the multilateral character of the organisation and protection of non-participating members.

The first principle is preserving consensus-based decision-making, which India said reflects the sovereign equality of members and ensures that their views are respected.

It also called for maintaining the WTO’s multilateral character, arguing that plurilateral initiatives should complement existing rule-making rather than replace it. India cited the experience of the optional Tokyo Round codes under the earlier GATT framework, which it said contributed to fragmentation of the trading system.

Another proposed safeguard seeks to protect the rights, interests and agency of non-participating members. While participation in plurilateral initiatives should remain voluntary, India said non-participants should not be disadvantaged.

India also said development and special and differential treatment for developing and least-developed countries should remain central to WTO rule-making. Plurilateral initiatives should not divert attention or negotiating resources from issues important to developing members.

Transparency And WTO Resources

The proposal calls for greater transparency, meaningful engagement and member-driven processes. India said merely sharing information or keeping negotiations formally open may not give smaller and resource-constrained delegations enough opportunity to assess the scope and implications of proposed initiatives.

It also called for preserving existing WTO mandates and the multilateral agenda, particularly where plurilateral proposals overlap with existing rules or member-mandated work.

India further stressed respect for the WTO’s institutional mandate and competence. Initiatives concerning matters primarily dealt with by other international organisations should avoid duplication and remain consistent with the WTO’s distinct role.

On WTO resources, India warned that a proliferation of plurilateral initiatives could strain the organisation’s limited budget and divert resources from mandated functions, including technical assistance and capacity building.

India proposed that members discuss safeguards covering the initiation, negotiation, conclusion, incorporation and potential amendment of plurilateral agreements. It also suggested discussions on the appropriate legal form of such safeguards and whether they should apply across the WTO membership.

(KNN Bureau)