WTO to set up committee against India's measures after complaint by China

New Delhi: The World Trade Organization's (WTO) Dispute Settlement Body agreed on Tuesday to establish a panel regarding a case filed by China against India concerning measures related to solar cells, modules, and IT products. An official confirmed this development on Tuesday.

What are Allegations against India?

China alleges that India's tariff and incentive measures discriminate against Chinese solar energy and information technology products and violate WTO rules. India had previously blocked China's request to form a dispute panel on this matter in May. However, a Geneva-based official stated that the Dispute Settlement Body has accepted China's second request; the request was approved during the body's meeting on Tuesday.

What is the Panel's mandate?

The panel will now determine whether the import duties imposed by India on certain high-tech imported products and specific incentive measures for solar energy products are consistent with WTO commitments.

Failure of talks?

This request follows the failure of bilateral talks aimed at reaching a mutually agreed solution regarding the dispute, which China had originally filed in December last year.