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India Thailand dispute: India was angered by the remarks of Pimchanok Wonkorpon Pitfield, Thailand's ambassador to the World Trade Organization (WTO). After which India boycotted Thailand on this platform and refused to have any kind of discussion with it in WTO.
what really matters?
In fact, the Thai Ambassador had alleged that India was using 'subsidized' rice purchased for the public distribution system to dominate the export market. His comment created a diplomatic controversy. India strongly opposed this and Indian negotiators refused to participate in the group discussion where representatives of Thailand were present.
Thailand now with countries like America, EU, Canada
Thailand's ambassador made the comments at a consultative meeting on Tuesday, which was welcomed by some representatives of rich countries. This angered the Indian delegation present here. It is believed that Thailand is now standing with other countries including America, European Union, Canada and Australia. These countries have blocked a permanent solution to public stockholding for more than a decade. Whereas India is raising the loudest voice for its solution.
Piyush Goyal raised this issue
Officials said India lodged a strong protest with the Thai government, with Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal also raising the matter with USTR Katherine Tai and EU Executive Vice President Valdis Dombrowski. India's tough stance has made it clear that it will not tolerate such language and behaviour. Government officials said that whatever the Thai ambassador said was factually incorrect. He said the government purchases only 40% of the produce to meet food security obligations. Some part of the remaining produce of farmers is exported from India at market price. Government agencies do not buy it. The share of Indian rice in the global market has increased in recent years. But the recent export restrictions imposed by India have angered Western countries. Developed countries are trying to present a picture that India is disrupting global trade by selling subsidized rice in the international market, which is not true.
What is the reason for the recent controversy?
On the contrary, officials pointed out that the rules were designed in such a way that the terms of trade favored wealthier countries. He said that the price for calculating subsidy was fixed at the level of 1986-88. This means that per kg Rs. Any price offered above Rs 3.20 will be treated as a subsidy. At present, the main reason for the recent controversy is Thailand's allegation that India's rice exports are heavily subsidized, giving it an unfair advantage in the international market.
