WTO Veto: PM Modi Says Developed Nations Should Understand Challenges of Developing Countries

New Delhi: Against the backdrop of the US blaming India for the failure of WTO talks, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Friday that developed countries should "understand" the challenges of poverty in developing nations and their governments' responsibilities to address them. (India Says WTO Deal Not Dead, Can Sign in September If Concerns Addressed: Report)

Mr Modi conveyed the message to US Secretary of State John Kerry and Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker when they called on him. (John Kerry Meets PM Narendra Modi in Prelude to Washington Summit)

"Prime Minister emphasised the need for developed countries to understand the challenges of poverty in developing countries and their governments' responsibilities in addressing them when discussions take place in international forums," a statement from the Prime Minister's Office said. (PM Modi's Image of India Undermined by WTO Stand, Says US)

The meeting took place against the backdrop of India taking a tough stance on the issue of agricultural stockpiling and food subsidy at the WTO talks in Geneva on Thursday after which the US blamed it for failure of the negotiations. (India Firm on Stand, WTO Fails to Reach $1 Trillion Deal on Customs Rules)

When asked about this, External Affairs Ministry spokesman Syed Akbaruddin said the Prime Minister articulated India's requirement of ensuring that food security is provided for a "significant" number of people because of the circumstances in which the country is. (Nine Reasons Why India's WTO Veto Shocked the World)

"I think the PM is on record to have said that development challenges that developing countries face are something that should be understood by all.

"India, as a developing country, has challenges and responsibility to ensure food supplies to all its people and that is reflected in our stance. That stance takes into account our needs. If other countries have a different stance, we understand their perspectives because they come from a different direction," he said.

Mr Akbaruddin added, "Our direction is determined by our current circumstances which requires us to provide food security for a significant number of people and that is what the PM has said."