-The Hindustan Times One man's fixation with rules can be another man's lifeline. Many international trade negotiators argue in favour of shooting down subsidies because it ‘distorts' trade. But the simple fact is that in a more-than-a-billion strong nation, in which nearly one in every three lives at subsistence level, one needs an effective and efficient method through which privileged tax payers can support the poor. India has rejected a proposal at the...

-The Business Standard India remained firm on its stance as World Trade Organization (WTO) negotiations reached the third day in Bali. As Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma ruled out any possibility of a compromise, whispers were already being heard of a possible collapse of the talks. Edited excerpts from the minister's press conference, which invited admiration as well as sharp criticism: * India has exceeded the de minimis requirements of the...

-The Times of India BALI: The World Trade Organization (WTO) is making a fresh bid to break the deadlock with the multilateral body set to propose its own package to trade ministers from 159 countries amid clear signs that the meeting will go beyond its scheduled close. WTO director general Roberto Azevedo spent the night holding consultations with commerce and industry minister Anand Sharma and US trade representative Michael Froman stretching until...

-Down to Earth India faces a surplus of foodgrains. Is exporting a good option? With India's grain mountain set to implode, the government is desperate to push the exports of rice and wheat. However, a global glut and the resulting depression of prices are dimming the prospects of foodgrain exports. According to the Food Corporation of India (FCI), the nodal agency for grain trade in the country, India is sitting on 34 million...

-Outlook Bali: Dismissing the suggestion that India was insisting on food security because of the ensuing general elections at home, Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma today said New Delhi was only pursing an old proposal and stressed that "no agreement" would be better than a bad one. The Minister, at a packed press conference, made it clear that New Delhi was not prepared for any compromise on the food security issue,...