A total of 16 cases will be filed by India against the US, citing the violations of World Trade Organization ( WTO ) treaties. The Parliament was informed that certain programs in the renewable energy sector in the United States are not consistent with global norms.

To a question that "whether it is a fact that the government is going to file 16 cases against the US for violating WTO treaties", Commerce and industry Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said, “India believes that certain renewable energy programs of the US at the sub-federal level are inconsistent with WTO provisions, particularly with respect to the obligation under GATT (General Agreement on Tariff and Trade) 1994, Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures and/or TRIMS (Trade-Related Investment Measures) Agreement.”

According to her, India appealed to the WTO appellate body over the findings as well as the recommendations to the dispute settlement panel. Domestic content requirement was set  by India for certain programs under the mission, so as to promote domestic manufacturing of modules as well as solar cells.

"The Special 301 report issued by the US under their Trade Act of 1974 is a unilateral measure to create pressure on countries to enhance IPR protection beyond the TRIPS (Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights) Agreement," she said.

- Sumana