The US filed a complaint against India at the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 2013 for allegedly discriminating against solar panels imported from the US, Reuters reported.
According to the complaint, Indian government’s Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission violated a global trade rule by offering subsidies to developers using only locally produced solar equipment.
Launched in 2010, Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission is aimed at deploying 20,000MW of grid connected solar power by 2022.
India is planning to install 175GW of renewable power capacities by 2022, which may require investment of around $150bn.
US Trade Representative spokesman Andrew Bates was quoted by Reuters as saying: "The United States initiated this dispute for the purpose of advancing the rapid deployment of clean, affordable energy in India and around the world.
"India has now asked to speak with the United States regarding the issue, and in light of ongoing discussions, release of the WTO panel’s report ruling has been temporarily delayed."
Last year, WTO stated that India’s localization requirements under its solar power program are conflicting with the international norms, Economic Times reported.
The relationship between both the countries will be strengthened, if the long-running dispute is resolved.
Image: Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission is aimed at deploying 20,000MW of grid connected solar power by 2022. Photo: courtesy of worradmu / FreeDigitalPhotos.net.
