By Mucahithan Avcioglu
ISTANBUL (AA) - China on Friday filed a complaint with the World Trade Organization (WTO) against India over tariffs on information and communications technology (ICT) products and subsidies for the photovoltaic sector, accusing New Delhi of breaching multiple trade obligations.
"On December 19, China submitted a request for consultations to India at the WTO regarding India's tariff measures on information and communication products and photovoltaic subsidy measures," a Commerce Ministry spokesperson told a press briefing.
According to the ministry, India’s measures are suspected of violating WTO commitments, including binding tariff obligations and national treatment principles, and of constituting import substitution subsidies, which are expressly prohibited under WTO rules.
"These measures give India's domestic industries an unfair competitive advantage and harm China's interests," the spokesperson said.
The ministry said the complaint marks another “firm step” by China to safeguard the “legitimate” rights and interests of its domestic industries, following a separate WTO case targeting India’s electric vehicle and battery subsidy programs.
"We once again urge India to abide by its relevant commitments at the WTO and immediately correct its erroneous practices," it added.
China in October also lodged a WTO complaint alleging that India’s state subsidies for electric vehicle and battery production distorted competition and disadvantaged foreign firms.