G/SCM /Q2/IND/61  
26 March  2024 
(24-2588) Page: 1/2 
Committee on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures  Original:  English  
 
  
SUBSIDIES  
REQUEST FROM AUSTRALIA TO INDIA  PURSUANT TO ARTICLE 25.8 OF THE  
AGREEMENT ON SUBSIDIES AND COUNTERVAILING MEASURES  
The following communication, dated and received on 25 March  2024, is being circulated at the 
request of the delegation of  Australia . 
 
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Australia notes that India  last provided its new and full subsidies notification  in 20191 
(document  G/SCM/N/ 343/IND ) which  reported on fisheries subsidies provided by the Central 
Government as well as State Governments . Australia thanks India for provid ing such comprehensive 
information in respect of its fisheries sector and its efforts to improve transparency in this area . 
Australia appreciate d the level of detail provided which greatly assist ed in understanding the 
programs notified.  
As notifications including fisheries subsidies have not yet been provided for the 2021  and 2023 
notification cycles, Australia poses the following questions pursuant to Article XVI:1 of the 
GATT 1994 and Article 25.8 of the Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures (SCM) 
regarding the following programs  which appear to have been ann ounced by the Government of 
India: 
Question 1  
Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana  (PMMSY)  
We understand that in May 2020, the Government of India approved the "Pradhan Mantri Matsya 
Sampada Yojana " (PMMSY) , an umbrella plan that is to be implemented over a period of five years 
from financial year 2020 -21 to financial year 2024 -25. We understand this plan covers the entire 
fisheries sector  and production chain . 
Could India please provide the following  in relation to subsidy programs under t he PMMSY : 
• background, authority, forms of subsidies, and policy objective or purpose ; 
• total budget expenditure for the overall program together with the sub -programs 
stemming from this overarching program ; 
• coverage of this fisheries plan, for example, does it cover aquaculture as well as marine 
capture fishing ; 
• duration of the program ; 
• confirm ation whether the PMMSY supersedes the "Blue Revolution : Integrated 
Development and Management of Fisheries "; 
• confirm ation whether  one of the object ives of PMMSY  in relation to marine fishing  is 
especially to harness tuna resources both in India 's EEZ and the high seas ; and 
• whether there are performance requirements , such as export or production based targets,  
attached to payments or loans under the various elements of  PMMSY ? 
 
1 Australia acknowledges that India has circulated its 2021 subsidy notification ( G/SCM/N/372/IND ) but 
this notification does not contain fisheries subsidies programs.  G/SCM/Q2/IND/61  
- 2 - 
  Question 2  
Conversion of Trawlers into Resource Specific Deep -Sea Fishing Vessels program  
We seek details on a program "Conversion of Trawlers into Resource Specific Deep -Sea Fishing 
Vesse ls". We understand funding commenced during the financial year 2018 -19 under the Blue 
Revolution Pla n. 
We understand that the program funds 100 % of the cost of conversion of bottom trawlers into deep 
sea tuna long liners . We understand that "traditional /artisanal fishermen and their 
societies/associations etc " are eligible.  
Could India please advise what form the funding takes ? 
Question 3 
Could India also please confirm that the funding of this project is ongoing  under the P MMSY ? 
Question 4 
Could India advise the total funds proposed and expended towards these programs/projects ? 
Question 5 
Could India please clarify the scope of eligible beneficiaries and how it defines "traditional/artisanal 
fishermen "? 
Question 6 
Are there conditions or performance requirements attached to r eceipt of benefits under this 
program?  
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