Govt is in no rush to ratify first part of the fisheries agreement, arguing that internal consultations are going on, while outlining its concerns over the move to expand scope of the pact here.
While WTO is seeking member nations to ratify the deal that was reached in Geneva in 2022, the response has been slow so far and India is in no mood to oblige even as chief Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has set a new deadline. Besides, there is growing pressure to expand the scope, which India is resisting, with officials arguing that it is to protect the interest of fisherfolk from poor countries too.
“Countries have created huge capacities with large vessels, which are not doing livelihood fishing. India is seeking rights over exclusive economic zone (up to 200 nautical miles) as a very important geographical distinction as the livelihood of fishermen depends on that. We are unwilling to give sovereign rights,” said an official, while demanding disciplines on distant fishing and other measures to discourage rich nations and others such as China that indulge in deep water fishing.
Swadeshi Jagran Manch co-convener Ashwani Mahajan said countries such as Denmark were offering subsidy in excess of $75,000 per farmer, which was $15 in India’s case.
Civil society groups flagged other concerns too. “Indian fishermen have a history of sustainable fishing. We need to define small fishermen. Climate change has forced our fishermen to go deep. If the agreement is not in our favour it will be detrimental as 60% are below the poverty line. It is important that India puts up a strong resistance,” said National Fishworkers’ Forum general secretary Olencio Simoes.
Ranja Sengupta from the Third World Network underlined the need for developed countries, such as EU members, need to be disciplined. “The disciplines are not strong enough. India is seeking a long transition period, hope India does not accept anything less than 20 years.”