Q4.The broader aims and objectives of WTO are to manage and promote international trade in the era of globalization. But the Doha round of negotiations seems doomed due to differences between the developed and the developing countries.” Discuss from the Indian perspective.

The WTO aims to promote free, fair, and predictable international trade in the globalized era. The Doha Development Agenda, launched to address developing countries' needs, remains stalled due to persistent differences.

Doha Round Stalled Progress

The Doha Round's failure stems from fundamental disagreements between developed and developing nations on various trade issues.

Key Contentions

• Developed countries' agricultural subsidies versus developing countries' demand for their reduction.
• Market access for industrial goods (NAMA) and services.
• Special and Differential Treatment (S&DT) provisions for developing nations.
• Intellectual property rights (TRIPS).

India's Perspective

• Champions developing countries' interests, advocating for protecting food security through public stockholding.
• Safeguarding domestic industry from import surges.
• Retaining policy space for development and S&DT.
• Seeking a balanced and equitable outcome.

Doha's prolonged impasse weakens multilateralism, fostering regional agreements and global trade uncertainty. A renewed commitment to inclusive negotiations is crucial.