New Delhi, March 29 India has called for a 25-year transition period for developing countries, stricter regulations for industrial fishing fleets operating in distant waters, and a permanent exemption for small-scale and artisanal fishers under the second phase of the fisheries subsidies agreement, which is being negotiated among WTO members.
The Ministry of Commerce stated on Sunday that fisheries subsidies were one of the key agenda items discussed by trade ministers at the World Trade Organization's 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14), held from March 26-29 in Yaounde, Cameroon.
The Indian delegation, led by Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, actively contributed to shaping the Ministerial Decision, which outlines the future course of Phase II negotiations on fisheries subsidies related to overcapacity and overfishing.
India repeatedly emphasized that Phase II negotiations must reflect core principles of equity, including Special and Differential Treatment (S&DT) for developing countries and Least Developed Countries, as well as the principles of Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities and the Polluter Pays Principle.
"In line with these principles, India highlighted key priorities such as a 25-year transition period for developing countries, stricter regulations for industrial fishing fleets operating in distant waters, a permanent exemption for small-scale and artisanal fishers, and subsidy regulations based on per capita intensity, thereby broadening the scope of Phase II discussions," it said.
Goyal stated that the fisheries sector plays a key role in ensuring India's food security and livelihoods, supporting more than 9 million fishing families, largely consisting of small, traditional, and artisanal fishermen practicing sustainable methods.
He also highlighted that India is not a heavily industrialized fishing nation and does not have large-scale, distant-water fleets or heavily mechanized operations.
Furthermore, India's fisheries subsidies are among the lowest in the world – barely about USD 15 per fishing family annually – compared to tens of thousands elsewhere, it said.
"India made a strong case in the WTO forum for ensuring that emerging decisions remain fair and do not disproportionately impact vulnerable communities," it said.