UPSC Mains Answer: “The broader aims and objectives of WTO are to manage and promote international trade in the era of globalization. But the Doha round of negotiations seem doomed due to differences between the developed and the developing countries.” Discuss in the Indian perspective.

Difficulty Level: Hard

Sub-category: International Relations (Post-Independence: Global Trade Governance)

---

The International trade, governed by the World Trade Organization (WTO), aims to foster economic integration and prosperity through rule-based commerce. However, the Doha Development Round, launched in 2001, has stalled primarily due to divergent priorities between developed and developing nations, presenting critical challenges for India.
From an Indian perspective, the impasse reflects deeper asymmetries in global trade architecture. Developed countries advocate for stringent intellectual property rights, services liberalization, and environmental standards—often at the expense of developing economies' agricultural subsidies and industrial protections. India, as a leading voice for the Global South, has consistently demanded fairer market access, reduced domestic support in developed nations, and safeguards for its vast agrarian and informal sectors. The failure of Doha underscores the limitations of consensus-based decision-making, where power imbalances skew outcomes.
Moving forward, India must strategically engage in plurilateral agreements while advocating for WTO reforms that prioritize equitable growth. Balancing national interests with multilateral commitments remains pivotal in navigating globalization’s complexities.