EconomicsSource: The Hindu
India Joins WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies
Tuesday, 21 July 2026
Read Original ArticleKey Points
India has joined the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, marking a significant step towards sustainable fishing practices. This development is crucial for UPSC aspirants, particularly for GS Papers 2 and 3, as it highlights India's commitment to environmental sustainability. Last Updated: 21-07-2026
Key Facts About WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies
- The Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies (AFS) is the first multilateral WTO agreement focused on environmental sustainability.
- Adopted at the 12th WTO Ministerial Conference (MC12) in Geneva, June 2022.
- Officially enters into force on September 15, 2025, after acceptance by two-thirds of WTO Members.
- Applies to marine wild capture fishing and fishing-related activities at sea, excluding aquaculture and inland fisheries.
- Bans government subsidies linked to Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing and overfished stocks.
- Addresses global overexploitation, with 37.7% of marine stocks overfished, compared to 10% in 1974.
- Aims to curb USD 35 billion per year in global government funding for unsustainable fishing.
- Protects livelihoods of India’s traditional and small-scale coastal fishing communities.
India's Commitment to Sustainable Fishing Practices
India's accession to the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies underscores its dedication to sustainable fishing practices, aligning with national economic and environmental goals. This move supports India's strategic interests by enhancing its credibility in global markets sensitive to sustainability. The exclusion of aquaculture ensures that India's seafood export, particularly shrimp, remains unaffected, thereby supporting economic growth.
UPSC Relevance
- GS Paper 2: International Relations - India's role in global environmental agreements.
- GS Paper 3: Environment and Ecology - Sustainable fishing practices and their impact.
- Prelims: Facts about the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, key provisions, and objectives.
- Mains: Analytical themes on environmental sustainability and international cooperation.
FAQ Section
- What is the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies?
The WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies is a multilateral pact aimed at promoting sustainable fishing by banning harmful subsidies that contribute to overfishing and illegal fishing activities. - Why is the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies important?
This agreement is crucial as it addresses the global issue of overfishing, protecting marine biodiversity and ensuring the livelihoods of small-scale fishing communities. - What are the key features of the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies?
Key features include banning subsidies for illegal and overfished stocks, focusing on marine wild capture fishing, and excluding aquaculture and inland fisheries.
Detailed Coverage
- India deposits its Instrument of Acceptance for the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies.
- Becomes the 123rd member of the agreement.
- First multilateral WTO agreement focused on environmental sustainability.
- Adopted at the 12th WTO Ministerial Conference in June 2022.
- Officially enters into force on September 15, 2025.
- Applies to marine wild capture fishing and related activities.
- Aquaculture and inland fisheries are excluded from the agreement.
- Bans government subsidies linked to Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing.
- Aims to address global overexploitation of fish stocks.
- About 37.7% of global marine stocks are currently overfished.
- Excessive subsidies contribute to unsustainable capacity among industrial fleets.
- Protects livelihoods and food security of traditional fishing communities in India.
- Exclusion of aquaculture ensures shrimp exports remain unaffected.
- Enhances India’s credibility in sustainability-sensitive global markets.
- Supported by domestic measures like Sustainable Harnessing of Fisheries Rules, 2025.
- Aligns with Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana for capacity-building.
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