Reacting sharply to the US’ decision not to support the demand to find a permanent solution to the food stockholding issue at the ongoing ministerial conference of the World Trade Organization (WTO), India said on Wednesday that the former has reneged on its commitment made two years ago.
According to reports, Assistant US Trade Representative Sharon Bomer Lauritsen said that a permanent solution to the food stockholding issue was not acceptable to America.
A commerce ministry statement expressed “deep disappointment” over the decision of a “major member country”, without naming the US.
“India is surprised and deeply disappointed that despite an overwhelming majority of members reiterating it, a major member country has reneged on a commitment made two years ago to deliver a solution of critical importance for addressing hunger in some of the poorest countries of the world,” it said.
According to the statement, the US’ stand has posed “a severe threat to a successful conclusion of the conference as there was a ministerial for mandate for a permanent solution by the MC11”.
The ministerial conference is the highest decision-making body of the WTO. The conference began on Sunday and will close on Wednesday.
The Indian team led by commerce minister Suresh Prabhu has been pitching hard for permanent solution to food security issue, which is crucial for the livelihood of 800 million people across the globe.
Despite the setback, India will continue to participate in the efforts to draft a credible ministerial declaration.