India formally accepts the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, joining the pact as its 123rd member, with the aim of curbing government support that contributes to illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing and over-exploitation of marine stocks. Multiple outlets report that India’s acceptance is focused on subsidies tied to marine wild capture fishing and related activities at sea, reflecting the agreement’s environmental sustainability objective. The agreement entered into force on September 15, 2025, and was adopted by consensus at the WTO’s 12th Ministerial Conference in June 2022.
According to reports, India’s government acceptance involves depositing its Instrument of Acceptance of the agreement with the WTO. Outlets also state that aquaculture and inland fisheries remain outside the scope of the pact, meaning policy support for those sectors continues under existing national frameworks. Business Standard adds that India’s approach safeguards policy space, including for traditional and small-scale fishers. Coverage is consistent that India’s move aligns with WTO efforts to reform fisheries subsidy regimes and promote more sustainable fishing practices.
