< SNIP >
On the other hand, India is not in favour of sharp cuts in customs duties, especially in the case of developing countries. The livelihood concerns of India’s 650 farmers weighs heavily on the government, especially since elections are just months away.
The proposal submitted by India and its allies, therefore, calls for special emphasis on special & differential treatment to developing countries, especially to maintain transport and market subsidies. While special safeguards should continue to be available for developing countries, the developed world should not resort to such instruments. Since tariff reduction is supposed to be in line with the Uruguay round approach, rich nations are to go in for deeper cuts.