According to media reports, Thailand has opted to recall its Ambassador to the World Trade Organization (WTO) amid growing tensions with India, sparked by contentious remarks made by the Ambassador regarding New Delhi's rice procurement program.
The decision to recall Ambassador Pimchanok Vonkorpon Pitfield follows a robust protest lodged by India over her comments, which were deemed unacceptable by Indian officials. As per available information, Pitfield has been directed to return to Thailand after the ongoing 13th Ministerial Conference (MC), currently underway and in its fifth day of deliberations. Reports further indicate that the Thai foreign secretary will succeed Pitfield as the country's Ambassador to the WTO.
India voiced its disappointment with Pitfield's statements made during a consultation session on Tuesday, wherein she criticized India's utilization of its rice procurement program at the Minimum Support Price (MSP), alleging that it was geared not towards benefiting its populace but rather to dominate the global export market.
In response, India formally registered its displeasure with the Thai government and expressed dissatisfaction with the WTO Director-General, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. Furthermore, Indian delegates refrained from participating in certain group discussions at the WTO meeting where the Thai representative was present, as a form of protest against the remarks made.
India, alongside Thailand, holds significant influence in the global rice trade. Various reports indicate that on numerous occasions, both developed and developing nations have criticized India's public stockholding, particularly concerning rice, for distorting international market prices.
From 2018 to 2022, India retained its position as the world's leading exporter of rice, followed closely by Thailand and Vietnam. However, in 2023, India imposed bans on the export of broken and non-basmati white rice due to uncertainties surrounding rice production, geopolitical factors, and extreme weather conditions such as the El Nino phenomena.
This measure aimed to stabilize domestic rice prices and ensure an adequate supply in the local market. Despite these export restrictions, India remains a dominant force in the global rice market, with its exports accounting for a significant portion of the world's total rice exports.
