India believes WTO's farm subsidy rules could limit its ability to purchase food at government-set prices, as part of its public stockholding programmes for food security purposes.
Proponents say its purpose is to improve transparency, streamline administrative procedures, and promote international cooperation
A proposal submitted to the WTO says the body should permit a developing country member to export from acquired stocks for the purposes of international food aid.
The two countries have called for a minimum three-year waiver of TRIPS provisions for health products and technologies related to Covid-19.
New Zealand Ambassador David Walker’s proposal may not find favour among developing country members, say experts.
India contests that the draft proposal, which will undergo changes till the last minute, completely ignores developing country concerns, like ensuring food security, in the wake of a pandemic.
World Trade Report comes ahead of WTO's 12th Ministerial Conference in Geneva during November 30-December 3.
