Potential for resolution of the Doha Round is nil

Indias negotiators to the WTOs multilateral Doha Round trade talks remain pessimistic about a potential resolution to the political standstill that has left trade talks in neutral since 2008.

Indias negotiators to the WTOs multilateral Doha Round trade talks remain pessimistic about a potential resolution to the political standstill that has left trade talks in neutral since 2008. This despite ambassador-level appointments from the US to the WTO last month and another round of talks slated for May 25-26 in Paris.

Considered by many to be a last ditch effort to salvage some progress on the trade talks,Indias negotiators remain weary of progress while questioning WTO chief Pascal Lamys intentions to give the US space to address other priorities.

We will discuss service agreements and NAMA (non-agricultural market access) but none of this will matter until the political issues are resolved, said an Indian negotiator. Agriculture (market access) may not be on the agenda. Disputes over agricultural market access between the US and India and China dissolved the last written draft of the Doha Round in 2008 and remains among the top issues of contention. The potential for resolution of the Doha Round is nil. And if it isnt happening this year,I dont see it happening before 2014, said the negotiator.

However Indias negotiators believe issues like market access will remain secondary until the USmatches the developing worlds sense of urgency in breaking-down trade barriers. On numerous occasions,Indias negotiators have questioned American resolve,claiming the US continues to ask for market access into India without stating what theyre willing to give in return.