Trade dispute: China seeks WTO consultations with India over ICT tariffs; flags solar subsidies

China on Friday requested consultations with India at the World Trade Organisation (WTO), challenging New Delhi’s tariffs on information and communication technology (ICT) products and subsidy measures in the solar sector, according to PTI.In a statement, China’s Ministry of Commerce said India’s measures allegedly violate multiple WTO obligations, including the principle of national treatment, and amount to import substitution subsidies that are explicitly prohibited under WTO rules.“They grant unfair competitive advantages to India’s domestic industries while undermining China’s interests,” the ministry said, urging India to honour its WTO commitments and promptly revise the disputed measures.This marks the second time this year that China has moved the WTO against India. In October, Beijing had sought consultations over what it described as unfair subsidies provided by India to its electric vehicle and battery sectors.That earlier petition alleged that India’s incentive schemes for EVs and batteries distorted competition and adversely affected Chinese manufacturers.Under WTO rules, consultations are the first formal step in dispute settlement and give the two sides an opportunity to resolve differences before the matter escalates to the formation of a dispute settlement panel.India has not yet publicly responded to the latest request for consultations.