'India did not capitulate at Doha'

By Our Staff Reporter

KOCHI, NOV. 18 The Union Commerce Secretary, Mr. Prabir Sengupta, back from the Doha World Trade Organisation (WTO) meet, has denied the allegation that the Indian delegation had, after fighting a valiant battle, capitulated to Western pressure at the last moment.

Mr. Sengupta told The Hindu here on Sunday that India had nodded its approval to the Doha declaration after its concerns over the `Singapore issues' were partially addressed.

India had, he claimed, succeeded in keeping out the four contentious `Singapore issues' (foreign investment, competition policies, transparency in Government procurement and trade facilitation). Because of India's efforts, an `explicit consensus' would be required at the next WTO ministerial meet, to be held in 2003, before more negotiations could begin on the `Singapore issues'.

Mr. Sengupta also denied an allegation by the social activist, Dr. Vandana Shiva, that the Prime Minister, Mr. A. B. Vajpayee, had, under pressure from the West, asked the Commerce Minister, Mr. Murasoli Maran, who headed the Indian delegation to Doha, to agree to the Doha Agenda.

Dr. Shiva had, in conversation with mediapersons in Kochi a couple of days back, alleged that the British Prime Minister had called up Mr. Vajpayee and coaxed him into abiding by the West's designs at Doha.

Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Section  : Southern States
Previous : Rajakkad incident: Four police personnel suspended
Next     : Anti-liquor activists call off fast