There are two main ways to settle a dispute once a complaint has been filed in the WTO.The countries find a mutually agreed solution, particularly during the phase of bilateral consultations; and through adjudication, which includes ruling by a panel and if not satisfied, by challenging that ruling at the appellate body.The appellate body is the apex institution for adjudicating disputes.The smooth functioning of the WTO’s dispute settlement mechanism hit a roadblock when the US blocked appointments of members in the appellate body (AB).Though the AB stopped functioning on December 10, 2019, the panels are still working.Since December 2019, over 20 appeals have been filed in the AB.”We strongly demand that those who are blocking various decisions at the WTO should start addressing the concerns of the developing countries like India,” the minister said, adding that the concerns and interest like finding permanent solutions to the public stock holding of food amongst others are also given due importance and addressed speedily.
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