India calls for restoration of Appellate Body and Dispute Settlement Reforms at ongoing WTO Ministerial Conference-13 in Abu Dhabi

The World Trade Organization (WTO) is an international organization that deals with the regulation of trade between its member countries. At the ongoing WTO Ministerial Conference-13 in Abu Dhabi, India has called for the restoration of the Appellate Body as the top priority of any reform process.

The Appellate Body was established in 2002 to provide a final decision on disputes between member countries. However, in 2019, the WTO General Council decided to terminate the mandate of the Appellate Body, citing concerns about its independence and impartiality. This decision has led to a stalemate in the dispute settlement system at the WTO, as there is currently no mechanism in place to resolve disputes between member countries.

India has been a strong advocate for the restoration of the Appellate Body, arguing that it is essential for maintaining the credibility and effectiveness of the WTO's dispute settlement system. India believes that the Appellate Body provides an important safeguard against abuses of power by larger member countries and ensures that smaller members have access to justice in cases involving trade disputes.

In addition to calling for the restoration of the Appellate Body, India has also emphasized the need for effective formalization of ongoing informal dispute settlement reform discussions among some members at […]. This refers to efforts by a group of WTO member countries to develop alternative dispute settlement mechanisms that would replace the current system.

It is worth noting that the restoration of the Appellate Body remains a contentious issue at the WTO, with some member countries arguing that it is not necessary or desirable. However, India's call for its restoration reflects the importance of a robust and effective dispute settlement system in promoting fair trade and protecting the interests of all members of the organization.