India files case against US in WTO on renewable energy issue : The Tribune India

Join Whatsapp Channel

India files case against US in WTO on renewable energy issue

GENEVA: India has dragged the US to the WTO against the policies of eight American states for the renewable energy sector, alleging that the domestic content requirement norms are “inconsistent” with global trade rules.



Geneva, September 12

India has dragged the US to the WTO against the policies of eight American states for the renewable energy sector, alleging that the domestic content requirement norms are “inconsistent” with global trade rules.

“On September 9, India has requested consultations with the US under the dispute settlement system of the WTO regarding alleged domestic content requirements and subsidies provided by these states in the renewable energy sector,” the WTO said in a statement.

Under the norms of domestic content requirements, it is mandatory upon domestic companies to source a portion of input from local markets products.

India has alleged that the measures of those American states are "inconsistent with WTO's Agreement on Trade-Related Investment Measures and the Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures," the statement said.

They are inconsistent because they provide less favourable treatment to imported products than to like domestic products, and because the subsidies are contingent on the use of domestic over imported goods, it added.

When contacted, an Indian official said: "Yes, we have sought consultations with the US in the WTO on the matter.”

The eight states are Washington, California, Montana, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Michigan, Delaware and Minnesota.

The request for consultation is the first step under the Dispute Settlement System of the WTO. Consultations give the parties an opportunity to discuss the matter and to find a satisfactory solution without proceeding further with litigation.

After 60 days, if consultations fail to resolve the dispute, the complainant may request adjudication by a panel.

In the past, India and the US were involved in litigation at the WTO over the renewable energy sector.

The dispute panel of the world trade body had ruled against India in a case filed by the US. The panel had held that India's power purchase agreements with solar firms were "inconsistent" with international norms.

India has appealed against this ruling and the WTO's appellate body is expected to give its order by mid-September.

Earlier, Commerce and Industry Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had said that the government is going to file 16 cases against the US for violating WTO treaties. — PTI

Top News

Chief Judicial Magistrate's court in UP's Banda orders judicial inquiry into death of gangster-politician Mukhtar Ansari

UP court orders judicial probe into Mukhtar Ansari’s death

The CJM has sought the probe report within a month

‘Heart attack or poisoning’: The life and times of Mukhtar Ansari—crime and politics

‘Heart attack or poisoning’: The life and times of Mukhtar Ansari—crime and politics

Eastern parts of Uttar Pradesh are among the poorest regions...

Alka Rai, widow BJP MLA killed by Mukhtar Ansari, says 'justice has been served', visits Ram Mandir

Alka Rai, widow BJP MLA killed by Mukhtar Ansari, says 'justice has been served', visits Ram Mandir

Alka Rai is the wife of MLA Krishanand Rai, who was shot dea...

Cash-strapped Congress gets fresh IT notice of Rs 1,700 crore, say party insiders

Cash-strapped Congress gets fresh I-T notice of Rs 1,800 crore

Ajay Maken addresses a press conference

Special court convicts 7 people in BSP MLA Raju Pal murder case

Special court convicts 7 people in BSP MLA Raju Pal murder case

The proceedings against Atiq Ahmad, his brother and prime ac...


Cities

View All