In a significant turn of events at the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) 12th Ministerial Conference in Geneva, India found itself at the centre of discussions regarding the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies. The agreement, which specifically addresses subsidies related to fishing and fishing-related activities at sea, has sparked debates on the culpability for overfishing.
India staunchly defended its position, asserting that the excessive fishing threatening marine resources globally cannot be solely attributed to small-scale fishermen in developing countries. The country rejected a proposal suggesting a mandatory cessation of subsidies for Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fisheries within seven years, arguing that developed nations provide vastly disproportionate subsidies to their large-scale fishing industries.
Indian officials pointed out that developed countries, such as Denmark, Sweden, and New Zealand, offer subsidies per fisherman at rates several thousand times higher than India’s modest support. The negotiations underscored India’s plea for fair treatment, highlighting the significant livelihoods at stake for low-income fishermen dependent on traditional fishing practices.
Traditional fishermen in India have long faced challenges to their way of life, with large corporate-owned ships engaging in deep-sea and distant water fishing, diminishing the share of small-scale fishermen. India’s fishing communities, particularly those along the extensive coastline, rely on subsidies for vessel construction, gear acquisition, and modernization to sustain their livelihoods.
India sought a 25-year transition period to eliminate fisheries subsidies, emphasizing the need for ongoing support to protect the livelihoods of its vulnerable fishing population. The country’s concerns echoed those of other developing nations, who fear that proposed measures may disproportionately impact their small-scale fishermen.
As discussions continue, India emphasizes the need for a nuanced approach, distinguishing between the culpability of small-scale fishermen and the large-scale industrial fishing operations of developed nations. The lack of clarity on restrictions for subsidies to large-scale and deep-sea fishing by powerful corporations remains a key point of contention.
In the face of these challenges, India aims to ensure that any global agreement on fisheries subsidies recognizes the distinct circumstances of developing nations, safeguards the livelihoods of its traditional fishermen, and addresses the core issue of unsustainable fishing practices by powerful players on the global stage. The upcoming WTO’s 13th Ministerial Conference in Abu Dhabi in February 2024 is anticipated to provide a crucial platform for further deliberations.
