India sets terms to advance talks on WTO plurilateral deal

India has softened its stance on plurilateral trade agreements, proposing reforms to integrate such pacts within the World Trade Organisation (WTO) framework, according to its submission to the General Council. Plurilateral agreements are negotiated and implemented by exclusive WTO groups rather than all members. The country expressed concern that these pacts could hurt developing nations' interests.

After opposition at the WTO's 14th Ministerial Conference in Cameroon, India's proposal aims to address this issue with safeguards for plurilateral initiatives. Emphasizing the preservation of rights and interests, India stated that non-participating members should not be prejudiced regarding their rights or interests in the WTO framework.

The proposal also highlighted that special and differential treatment should be central to rule-making, and the pursuit of plurilateral initiatives should not divert attention from development priorities or divert resources from mandated uses such as technical assistance and capacity building. This change in position came after the BRICS summit and bilateral talks with China.