Brajendra Navnit to be India’s ambassador to WTO for 9 months

Introduction

Indian government announced the extension of Brajendra Navnit’s tenure as Ambassador and Permanent Representative of India to the World Trade Organization (WTO) by nine months. This decision comes ahead of the crucial 13th ministerial conference of the WTO in 2024. Navnit’s extended term demonstrates India’s commitment to promoting its key priorities on the global trade stage.

Background and Tenure Extension

Brajendra Navnit assumed office as India’s Ambassador to the WTO in June 2020, with his initial tenure scheduled to end on June 28, 2023. However, the government’s recent decision has extended his term until March 31, 2024 which reflects the recognition of his valuable contributions and the need for continuity during critical negotiations.The Appointments Committee of Cabinet (ACC) has also approved the proposal of Department of Commerce for extension in tenure of foreign deputation of Brajendra Navnit.

Other awaited proposals

1.Extending Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Waiver for Covid-related Products

India also seeks a decision on extending the waiver for global intellectual property rights concerning Covid therapeutics and diagnostics. Currently, such a waiver is available for Covid vaccines. India believes that expanding this flexibility will enhance global access to affordable and life-saving medical treatments during the ongoing pandemic.

2.Opposition to Selective Carbon Border Measures

New Delhi has expressed objections to the selective application of carbon border measures, specifically targeting “trade-exposed industries” like steel, aluminum, chemicals, plastics, polymers, and fertilizers. India argues that these measures should not unfairly disadvantage its industries and that the underlying competitiveness concerns must be adequately addressed.

Key takeaways for competitive examinations

• World Trade Organization was founded on 1 January 1995 & is headquartered at Geneva, Switzerland.
• Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is the Director General of the World Trade Organisation.
• 13th Ministerial Conference will take place in Abu Dhabi in February 2024.

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