India has said it will respond to the United States’ notice challenging the domestic sourcing requirement in its National Solar Mission in 10 days’ time as stipulated under the rules of the World Trade Organisation.
The US, on Wednesday, filed an official dispute against India at the WTO claiming that the domestic sourcing rules flouted global trade norms. It has asked for consultations with India on the matter.
“Our Mission in Geneva has been delivered a notice under Dispute Settlement Understanding that the US has sought a consultation in respect to domestic content policy of National Solar Mission. According to the laid-down procedure, India has to respond within 10 days. We have received the notice and will respond within the prescribed time period,” said Rajiv Kher, Additional Secretary, Commerce Department.
On the basis of the consultations that the US has with India, it will decide whether it wants to take the dispute further by asking for a dispute settlement panel to settle the issue.