India, U.S. decision to end WTO disputes to help boost bilateral trade: Experts

The decision to end their six trade disputes at the World Trade Organisation (WTO) will help boost two-way commerce and strengthen economic ties between India and U.S.

The decision of India and the U.S. to end their six trade disputes at the World Trade Organisation (WTO) will help boost two-way commerce and strengthen economic ties, experts said. They also said that both countries should put in place a proper and strong mechanism to resolve trade-related issues bilaterally so that they do not have to file complaints in the WTO.

India and the U.S. have agreed to end six trade disputes at the World Trade Organisation while New Delhi will also remove retaliatory customs duties on 28 American products such as almonds, walnuts, and apples. This comes amid Prime Minister Narendra Modi's state visit to the U.S. at the invitation of President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden.

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International trade expert Biswajit Dhar said that this is a positive announcement and it would help in promoting bilateral trade between the two countries.

"We now have to see what trade-offs happen between the countries to finally end these trade disputes. The announcement overall looks positive. A strong mechanism needs to be put in place so that such disputes do not occur and be resolved bilaterally through mutually agreed solutions," Mr. Dhar said.

Welcoming the announcement, Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) Director General Ajay Sahai said it will help boost India's exports to the U.S., which is the largest trading partner of New Delhi. "It is a positive development. We were eagerly waiting for this decision. This will give a fillip to India's exports to the U.S.," Mr. Sahai said.

Another expert said that this decision would help strengthen the 2+2 dialogue between India and the U.S. Indian Institute of Plantation Management Bengaluru (IIPMB) Director Rakesh Mohan Joshi too said that such decisions would help in further promoting trade.