India Blocks China's Request at WTO
India has blocked China's initial request to establish a dispute panel at the World Trade Organization (WTO) regarding tariffs and incentives that allegedly discriminate against Chinese imports of IT and solar energy products.
WTO Dispute Settlement Body Meeting
- India defended its measures as consistent with multilateral rules.
- China's request followed unsuccessful bilateral consultations aimed at a mutually agreed solution.
India's Argument
- India claims that it is defending the legitimate growth of its IT and solar industries against a nation that controls over 80% of the global solar module production value chain.
China's Allegations
- China alleges that India is imposing customs duties and other charges on several imported IT products exceeding the agreed rates in India's WTO commitments.
- China also contends that India's Solar Module Programme provides incentives to producers conditional on meeting a minimum local value addition, which it claims violate WTO rules.
Next Steps
- China can renew its request at the next WTO Dispute Settlement Body meeting to establish a dispute panel.
