The United States and India have successfully negotiated a settlement for the final unresolved dispute at the World Trade Organization (WTO) concerning poultry products, signifying a momentous advancement in India and US trade alliance. Furthermore, India has agreed to decrease tariffs on an array of American goods, containing frozen turkey, duck, and numerous products of cranberry and blueberry, as reported by the Office of the United States Trade Representative.
Katherine Tai, the US Trade Representative, announced on Friday that the United States and India reached an agreement to settle their remaining outstanding dispute at the WTO, officially known as Measures Concerning the Importation of Certain Agricultural Products (DS 430). This reduction in tariffs will broaden economic prospects for US agricultural producers in a key market and facilitate the accessibility of more US products to Indian consumers.
This announcement was synchronized with a meeting between US President Joe Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi, before the G20 Leaders’ Summit. The resolution followed discussions in August between Ambassador Tai and the Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, during which both leaders expressed their wish for a swift resolution.
Ambassador Tai noted, “Resolving this last outstanding WTO dispute represents an important milestone in the US-India trade relationship while reducing tariffs on certain U.S. products enhances crucial market access for American agricultural producers,” Tai also highlighted that this resolution, along with recent visits by both leaders, emphasizes the strength of the bilateral partnership and conveyed her eagerness to collaborate with Minister Goyal to create inclusive economic opportunities for both countries.
During Prime Minister Modi’s visit to the US in June, six prior disputes were resolved, and India agreed to lower tariffs on specific US products, including chickpeas, lentils, almonds, walnuts, apples, boric acid, and diagnostic reagents.
Beyond trade discussions, President Biden and Prime Minister Modi also deliberated on defense cooperation and technology sharing during their New Delhi meeting. President Biden extended his congratulations to India for the successful Chandrayaan-3 mission.
The leaders advocated for continued efforts to transform the India-US Strategic Partnership across all facets of their comprehensive global agenda, founded on trust and mutual understanding. Both leaders commended the India-US relationship and underscored its role in promoting global good.
Prime Minister Modi shared his contentment with the meeting on X (previously known as Twitter), stating, “Happy to have welcomed @ POTUS @ JoeBidento 7, Lok Kalyan Marg. Our meeting was very productive. We were able to discuss numerous topics that will further economic and people-to-people linkages between India and the USA. The friendship between our nations will continue to play a great role in furthering global good.”
President Biden also expressed his dedication to fortifying the partnership, posting on X, “Great seeing you, Mr. Prime Minister. Today, and throughout the G20, we’ll affirm that the United States-India partnership is stronger, closer, and more dynamic than any time in history.”
The resolution of the WTO dispute and the reaffirmation of the robust bilateral partnership between the United States and India indicate a positive trajectory for the relationship between the two nations, with potential advantages for the global community.
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