Publication

India continues to be labeled ‘obstructive’ in its ongoing trade negotiations, particularly in the case of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). The country’s self-defeating sins, at least according to the text’s author, include refusing to eliminate tariffs in the agriculture, dairy and automobiles sectors, and insisting on easier access for its professional class in partner country markets. Unfortunately, by insisting on these set-asides, New Delhi runs the risk of isolating itself in future trade rule-making processes. What it really needs to do is to adopt a more flexible negotiating posture and pursue bilateral discussions with potential partners.