India, represented by Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, has steered the second phase of the WTO fisheries subsidies negotiations towards a more development‑friendly outcome. The stance was articulated at the MC14 in Yaounde, Cameroon, held from 26–29 March 2026.
Key Developments
- India demanded a 25‑year transition period for developing countries to adjust their fisheries subsidy regimes.
- It called for stronger disciplines on distant‑water industrial fishing fleets to curb overcapacity.
- A permanent carve‑out for small‑scale and artisanal fishers was secured, protecting their livelihoods.
- Subsidy discipline to be measured on a per‑capita intensity basis, widening the scope of Phase II discussions.
Important Facts
India’s fisheries sector supports over 9 million fisher families, predominantly engaged in traditional, sustainable practices. The country’s own fisheries subsidies are among the lowest globally, averaging only US$15 per fisher family per year, in stark contrast to subsidies that run into tens of thousands of dollars in many industrialised nations.
India emphasized that it does not operate large‑scale, distant‑water fleets, and therefore any blanket subsidy restrictions could disproportionately affect vulnerable coastal communities.
UPSC Relevance
The negotiations intersect with multiple UPSC syllabus areas: Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal’s statements illustrate India’s trade policy stance (GS3: Economy) and its commitment to sustainable development (GS4: Ethics). Understanding the dynamics of WTO negotiations helps answer questions on international economic institutions, trade‑related environmental concerns, and the balance between development and global rules.
Way Forward
India will continue to advocate for a phased, equity‑based approach in Phase II, ensuring that any future subsidy discipline does not jeopardise the income of small‑scale and artisanal fishers. Monitoring the implementation of the 25‑year transition and the per‑capita intensity metric will be crucial. Domestic policy may also need to strengthen data collection on subsidy distribution to substantiate India’s position in future WTO forums.