Around 50 developing nations are supporting India's push for fairer fisheries subsidies rules at the World Trade Organization (WTO). India is advocating for per capita subsidies and special treatment for its fishermen and is seeking a 25-year exemption from subsidy cuts.

India's Stance

India has been a strong advocate for stricter regulations on high seas fishing subsidies at the WTO, emphasizing the need to combat overfishing and protect marine biodiversity. As a major fishing nation, India has voiced concerns over the environmental impact of unchecked subsidies, which contribute to unsustainable fishing practices, particularly in areas beyond national jurisdiction. India seeks stricter regulations on subsidies that promote overfishing, especially where fish stocks are already under threat.

India has called for rules that balance marine resource conservation with the livelihoods of developing countries dependent on fishing, advocating for flexibility in subsidy rules to avoid disproportionately impacting the fishing industries of poorer nations. India has also proposed strict regulations for high seas fishing subsidies and suggested that historical subsidisers should seek approval from the Committee on Fisheries Subsidies before granting future subsidies.

Highlighting the stark disparity, an Indian document submitted at the WTO noted that it provides a modest $35 per fisher annually, compared to subsidies as high as $76,000 per fisher per year in some European countries. Because of these large subsidies, wealthy nations can send their boats into distant waters, catching vast amounts of fish cheaply, while Indian fishermen, who mostly fish in coastal waters, struggle to compete.

WTO Negotiations

The WTO has been negotiating a comprehensive agreement on fisheries subsidies, with growing concerns about practices that lead to overfishing and illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. The negotiations aim to establish regulations on subsidies that contribute to overcapacity and overfishing, thereby promoting sustainable fishing practices.

In 2022, the WTO finalized a pact on stopping subsidies for illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing activities. The agreement prohibits subsidies from being provided for Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing and overfished stocks. It also prohibits providing subsidies for fishing on the high seas, which are outside the jurisdiction of coastal countries and Regional Fisheries Management Organizations/ Arrangements. Developing Countries and Least Developed Countries (LDCs) have been allowed a transition period of two years from the date of entry into force of this Agreement, with no obligation to implement disciplines for the specified period.

However, negotiations on the third pillar, subsidies that contribute to overfishing and overcapacity, are still ongoing.

Concerns and Challenges

Some concerns have been raised regarding the Fisheries Subsidies Agreement (FSA), particularly regarding its potential impact on small fishermen and developing countries. India has emphasized that subsidies are vital for developing countries and small economies to develop and diversify their fisheries sector, as well as to protect the food security and livelihood security of their fishermen. There are concerns that the fisheries subsidies benefit the financially well-off.

India's Domestic Measures

India is also enhancing its domestic fishing industry through the Marine Fisheries Regulation and Management Bill and programs like Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana, which modernize infrastructure and provide financial aid. The Union Budget 2025 emphasizes sustainable fishing, aligning with India's WTO stance to protect its fishermen and promote equitable fishing practices globally. India is encouraging deep-sea fishing through financial aid for vessels and safety equipment and is also training fishermen on GPS and satellite navigation to locate fishing zones and avoid foreign maritime boundaries.