1 Uncorrected/ Not for publication- 08.12.2009 SSS-AKG/11.00/1A ...

93Uncorrected/ Not for publication- 08.12.2009Negotiating Groups brought out revised draft modalities on 6 December 2008.The draft modalities are available at the WTO site too.India has always been a strong protagonist of the multilateral tradingsystem. We have consistently maintained that an early conclusion of the DohaRound is in our best interests.Going by the commitment expressed by world leaders at internationalmeetings for an early conclusion of the Doha Round, India took the initiativeto re-energise the on-going discussions, by holding an informal MinisterialMeeting during September, 2009. The meeting signalled considerable politicalenthusiasm for an early conclusion of the Doha Round.Discussions at the WTO have been resumed at the Senior Officials'level on technical requirements and modalities.The 7 th WTO Ministerial meeting was held in Geneva from 30thNovember-3rd December, 2009. The general theme for discussion was "TheWTO, the Multilateral Trading System and the Current Global EconomicEnvironment."The Conference was not a substantive negotiating round but a platformfor Ministers to review the functioning of WTO, including the Doha Round,and to discuss issues such as monitoring and surveillance of disputes,accessions, Aid for Trade, technical assistance and internationalgovernance.The main negotiating issues and the key elements from India'sperspective in the Doha Round are to honour the development dimension;protecting the interest of poor farmers and industry and seeking greatermarket opportunities for its farmers and industry.India has been engaging with its coalition partners to ensure thatIndia's key interests are maintained.(Ends)