India's move to approach the WTO's appellate body in a case related to customs duties on information and communications technology (ICT) has irked the EU, reports have indicated.
In April this year, the WTO ruled that import duties by India violate global trading norms. The case was filed by the European Union against New Delhi's import duties on ICT products such as mobile phones and components, base stations, integrated circuits and optical instruments.
However, India appealed the decision, stating that it is the right of countries to appeal, India also rejected the EU's request to settle the dispute through arbitration.
Explaining its point, India said such interim arbitration agreements undermine the right of countries to appeal to a permanent standing body, and added that it is fundamental to the multilateral trading system of the world.
Bilateral consultation is reportedly the first step to resolving a trade dispute. If the two sides are not able to resolve the matter, either of them can approach the dispute settlement panel.