Discuss the significance of the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies for India's fisheries sector and marine sustainability.

Q. Discuss the significance of the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies for India's fisheries sector and marine sustainability. (15 marks, 250 words)

Adopted at the 12th WTO Ministerial Conference (Geneva, June 2022) and in force since 15 September 2025, the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies (AFS) is the WTO's first pact with an environmental-sustainability objective [1][2]. India's deposit of its Instrument of Acceptance on 20 July 2026, as the 123rd member, makes it a full Party — a decision of dual significance for livelihoods and oceans [1].

Significance for India's fisheries sector - Protects small-scale fishers: by disciplining subsidies to industrial fleets of large subsidisers, it levels the field for India's traditional coastal fishers who dominate marine capture [1]. - Shields exports: aquaculture and inland fisheries stay outside the scope, insulating India's shrimp-led seafood export industry [1]. - Boosts credibility: accession affirms India as a responsible seafood exporter and rule-abiding trade partner [1]. - Policy space retained: developing-member flexibilities preserve room for schemes like PMMSY.

Significance for marine sustainability - Curbs overfishing: prohibits subsidies for fishing of overfished stocks and IUU (illegal, unreported, unregulated) fishing, easing pressure on depleting stocks [2]. - Governs the commons: bars support for unregulated high-seas fishing, protecting shared ocean resources [2]. - Operationalises SDG 14.6 on eliminating harmful fisheries subsidies.

By joining, India balances the food security and livelihoods of nine million-plus fisherfolk against the ecological imperative of healthy seas. Coupled with its push for a stronger "second wave" curb on overcapacity subsidies, accession advances both blue-economy growth and marine conservation in equal measure.

(~250 words)

Sources: 1. India Becomes a Party to the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies (PIB, 20 July 2026) — India's accession as 123rd member, MC12 adoption, exclusion of aquaculture/inland fisheries, protection of small-scale fishers and exports 2. WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies enters into force (WTO, 15 September 2025) — entry into force, prohibition of subsidies for IUU fishing, overfished stocks and unregulated high-seas fishing