India must lead WTO talks: US

The US on Tuesday said India must play a leadership role for achieving a global trade-liberalising agreement among 150 WTO members under the Doha Round of negotiations.

"Simply stated: India's leadership is required to achieve an agreement," US Commerce Secretary Carlos M Gutierrez said in New Delhi at a FICCI function. Gutierrez, who had one-to-one meeting with Commerce and Industry Minister Kamal Nath earlier in the day, said India has a tremendous opportunity to play an active and positive role in pushing the trade talks forward.

"We are willing to make difficult choices, but we have a shared responsibility to make the round a success," he said.

The US administration is working with the new Congress to renew President George Bush's Trade Promotion Authority, which is set to expire at the end of June this year.

"Time is short, and a great deal remains to be done if we in the United States are to show progress in the Doha Round sufficient for Congress to renew the Trade Promotion Authority needed to conclude the negotiations," Gutierrez said.

He said many developing countries were waiting to see what stand India would take. "I am looking forward to working with Nath to ensure successful conclusion of the round," US Commerce Secretary said.

However, according to sources, India would continue to insist on the "development content" of the round rather than the time lines set by the US and others.

US Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez at the FICCI meeting.

Photograph: Dijeshwar Singh/ Saab Pictures