India deposited its Instrument of Acceptance for Phase 1 of the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies on July 20, 2026, marking a significant step in global fisheries governance. The ratified phase specifically targets illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, overfished stocks, and unregulated fishing on the high seas. Notably, the agreement excludes the more contentious issues of overcapacity and overfishing subsidies, including those for fuel, gear, ice, vessel construction, and modernization, which are deferred to Phase 2 negotiations.
India's position emphasizes both conservation and equity, supporting sustainability measures while preserving policy space for developing countries. The country insists that subsidy disciplines must not reduce development space needed by coastal communities dependent on marine fisheries for livelihoods. For Phase 2, India continues to demand a 25-year transition period for developing countries within their exclusive economic zones and advocates for using a per-fisher benchmark rather than aggregate comparisons to account for vast differences in scale and capacity.
The disparity in subsidy levels is substantial: advanced industrial fleets in the EU, US, and China receive between $1,000 to several thousand dollars per fisher annually, while Indian small-scale and artisanal fishers receive only $15 per fisher. India emphasizes that its limited support is directed toward subsistence, safety, and livelihood security rather than industrial expansion. This ratification strengthens India's credibility as a responsible maritime nation committed to marine conservation while preserving its negotiating position for fair and differentiated treatment in Phase 2, particularly important for Bay of Bengal region countries where fisheries are critical for food security, employment, and social stability.