China has filed a formal complaint with the World Trade Organisation (WTO) against India, challenging its tariffs on information and communications technology (ICT) products and subsidies for the photovoltaic sector, alleging multiple breaches of trade obligations.
The complaint, submitted on December 19, requests consultations under WTO rules regarding India’s tariff measures on ICT products and its subsidies for the photovoltaic industry.
According to a statement from China’s Commerce Ministry, India’s actions are suspected of violating binding tariff commitments and national treatment principles, as well as constituting import substitution subsidies, which are prohibited under WTO regulations.
China’s complaint argues that these measures provide Indian domestic industries with an unfair competitive advantage, harming China’s interests in the process.
This move follows China’s previous WTO complaint regarding India’s electric vehicle and battery production subsidies, further demonstrating China’s efforts to protect its domestic industries’ interests on the global stage.
The Chinese government has urged India to adhere to its WTO commitments and rectify what it terms as “erroneous practices” immediately.
