WT/MIN( 22)/ST/ 123 
12 June 2022 
(22-4563) Page: 1/2 
Ministerial Conference  
Twelfth Session  
Geneva, 12 -15 June 2022  Original: English  
 
 
STATEMENT BY H.E. MR PIYUSH GOYAL  
MINISTER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY, CONSUMER AFFAIR S, 
FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION AND TEXTILES  
INDIA 
On behalf of the Indian delegation, I thank the co -hosts of the MC12 for their efforts in organizing 
this much delayed Conference.  
 
I carry the aspirations of 1.4 billion Indians  who, despite global challenges, are actively 
participating as trusted partners in making this planet a better place.  
 
Mr. Chairman, the humanitarian crisis triggered b y spiraling food inflation is a matter of deep 
concern, and reminds us of the importance of nurturing domestic capacities to produce food. Rising 
food prices threaten the survival of millions and subjugate the poor and vulnerable nations/people 
to imperfec t markets.  
 
Our collective moral obligation is to ensure that no person, anywhere in the world, goes to bed 
hungry  and WTO rules should facilitate this. The Covid -19 pandemic has reinforced once again the 
need and efficacy of food stockholding for public g ood. After the Bali Ministerial Decision in 2013, 
the General Council in 2014 mandated permanent solution on the issue of public foodstocks, 
which has already been delayed, should be the topmost priority  for MC12, before we move 
to new areas. Nothing is mo re important than this for the people of the world.  
 
The pandemic reinforced the importance of "One Earth One Health ", calling for global solidarity 
and collective action. My country ramped up supplies of medical products to provide medical and 
health item s globally. Unfortunately, the WTO could not respond with alacrity. We have let down the 
people of the LDCs and developing countries. The rich countries need to introspect ! We need to 
bow our heads in shame  for our inability to respond to the pandemic in t ime. 
 
Mr. Chairman, living in harmony with Nature is enshrined in our Indian culture. Traditional fishing 
communities in India customarily worship nature and use sustainable methods of fishing. They do 
not fish during the breeding season to allow stocks to  be replenished, thereby maintaining the 
aquatic ecological balance.  
 
Fishing by my country 's traditional fishermen and women is to address hunger, poverty, food and 
nutrition insecurity, which is largely sustenance fishing. Their right to life and livelihood cannot be 
curtailed in any manner. On the contrary, those nations responsible for deplet ed fish -stock should 
assume responsibility, having exploited the oceans for far too long by giving subsidies. Fisheries are 
global public commons and should be shared equitably considering the past and being mindful of 
future to strike the right balance on  the principles of common but differentiated responsibility . 
For food security and eradication of hunger, sustainable fishing  is as important as agriculture , 
which is an important SDG goal. Let us not repeat the mistakes of the Uruguay round in 
Agriculture  in a Fisheries agreement . 
 
WTO reform is necessary keeping development at its core, to be decided through a precise, 
transparent and inclusive process, upholding the basic principles and objectives of the WTO, 
particularly consensus -based decision making and S&DT.  
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  India strongly believes that the WTO should not negotiate rules on non -trade -related subjects like 
climate change, gender, etc. which legitimately fall within the domain of other inter -governmental 
organisations.  
 
India reiterates our Prime Mini ster's clarion call for sustainable living through "Lifestyle For 
Environment (LiFE) ", a movement aimed at promoting environment -conscious lifestyle, focusing 
on "mindful and deliberate utilization " instead of "mindless and destructive consumption ". Mahatma 
Gandhi had said that "the world has enough for everyone 's needs, but not for everyone 's 
greed ". 
 
In conclusion, let me say that when the world is facing severe challenges and expects the WTO to 
deliver solutions, the MC12 must send a strong message that the rich care for the poor, vulnerable 
and marginalized people and that we have come together to give them a better future.  
 
The WTO should embrace a people first approach to trade . 
 
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