As the leader of the Global South, India would assist the 22 nations that sought to join the WTO: Piyush Goyal

ABU DHABI: Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal said on Thursday that India, as the head of the Global South, would support the applications of 22 more nations to join the World Trade Organization (WTO).

In response to a query from ANI, Goyal said, “Twenty-two more countries have applied for WTO membership; India will take a sympathetic view of their demands and will support as a leader of the Global South.”

During the 13th WTO Ministerial Conference, he made these statements during a press conference.
On February 26, Comoros and Timor-Leste officially joined the WTO at a ceremony held in Abu Dhabi.
Goyal said of the two nations’ WTO admission, “PM Modi urged that both countries—Timor Leste and Comoros—get a place in the WTO.” We are happy that both nations were admitted.”
The Union minister discussed India’s WTO stance, saying, “We raise issues based on the nation’s and the world’s benefit. Our issues are on the table.” India uses the concept of Vasudev Kutumbkum while speaking. One Earth, One Future, and One Family was the global platform that PM Modi spearheaded during the G20. India continues to adhere to this idea. India is always troubled by concerns pertaining to underdeveloped, impoverished nations.”

Goyal additionally stated that India “stands on strong principles of fair play, and justice and wants to ensure all decisions taken at the WTO are keeping in mind the best interests of India’s farmers, and fishermen and ensures that our work twirls meeting SDGs, ameliorating poverty, good quality of life, and ease of living for Indians, along with strong and speedy growth in the ‘Amrit Kaal’ is promoted through the various decisions at the WTO” .

“We think the first thing the WTO should focus on is fostering trust: on what the WTO says will be implemented, on decisions that are carried out in letter and spirit, and on the fact that anyone who violates WTO rules can be held accountable through the dispute resolution process. In order to guarantee that rulings are carried out, India has first and foremost urged the restoration of the appellate body. This would allow objections about WTO resolutions not being satisfied to be brought before the appellate body,” he said.

The 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13) of the WTO was held in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, from February 26 to 29. International ministers gathered to discuss the future direction of the World Trade Organization and to assess how well the multilateral trade system is operating.
The Ministerial Conference is the WTO’s highest decision-making body, and it convenes about every two years. It unites all nations or customs unions that are members of the World Trade Organization. Decisions pertaining to any topic covered by any multilateral trade agreement may be made by the Ministerial Conference.