1. Ashok Gulati Chair Professor for Agriculture Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER) Panel Discussion at the seminar on “Trade Policy Agenda: Harvesting Issues in Trade Agreement Negotiations and the Future of the World Trading System”” US Chamber of Commerce, Washington D.C., May 7, 2014

2.  Basic tenet: Open trade policies can help improve food security  Then why is it that India does not open up food trade fully and permanently? ◦ Delicate balance between food security of poor consumers and livelihood of small producers ◦ Case study of edible oils and cereals in India. ◦ What does it mean for trade negotiations?

9.  Food security is paramount concern for India, given large population (1.25 billion) and mass poverty  Trade policy will have to be subservient to this overarching goal…India will take time to be confident in opening up basic staples fully to trade…but direction is clear and moving fast  Patience and perseverance! …as there will be occasional hiccups!