‘It’s about give and take’

What is the agenda for Cancun?

Negotiations on agriculture will be of key importance at Cancun. India will have to work out a strategy with other developing countries to push developed countries like the US and the EU to cut domestic and export subsidies for their farmers. These subsidies have been distorting global markets and need to be reduced and then eliminated completely. Other than this, negotiations in services and the removal of the ban on the manufacture of patented drugs by developing and poor countries is a key issue.

How will Cancun impact the electoral fortunes of the NDA?

I don’t think there will be much of an impact because the various political parties have reached a broad consensus on WTO issues. I have met leaders of most political parties and have felt that there are no major differences in our approach. In fact, their concerns are common with ours.

What could be the five main gains for India at Cancun?

If we can get the developed countries to reduce their domestic and export subsidies for agriculture, it would be a win-win situation for India. A waiver on the manufacture of patented drugs in developing and poor countries would be another gain.

On the services side, a boost in Mode I and Mode IV — that is, entry into foreign country for our skilled services and freedom in the outsourcing business — will be a major gain for India. We also need to create a special category of products where we will not be forced to free tariffs. And if we can resist pressures to discuss Singapore issues like investment, we would have succeeded in our task.

What is India’s stand on the Singapore issues, issues relating to investment or FDI, competition, trade facilitation and transparency on government procurement?

We are very clear, we are not willing to negotiate on the modalities of these issues. We are only willing to discuss them for clarity.