WTO sets up panel on India-US dispute on export subsidies

The World Trade Organisation's (WTO) dispute settlement body has set up a panel to examine the US complaint against certain export-subsidy measures by India. The decision follows after both sides failed to resolve the issue at consultation level. The working procedure and the time table for the panel proceedings have been reportedly circulated.

The United States dragged India to WTO’s dispute settlement mechanism in March this year, saying export subsidies were harming US firms.

During the consultation process, the United States had alleged that India was continuing to grant such subsidies and even expanded their scope and scale.

India responded saying it was disappointed that the former chose to move forward with a request for a panel, as it believed bilateral consultations held on April 11 were constructive, according to a news agency report.

India has also said that the schemes identified by the complainant do not violate its WTO obligations and conform to all the clauses of the agreement.