AMN / BANGKOK
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said that India will not join the mega Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) deal as negotiations failed to address New Delhi’s outstanding issues and concerns.
Prime Minister Modi made the announcement during his speech at the RCEP Summit at Bangkok, which was attended by several world leaders. Mr Modi said, the present form of the RCEP Agreement does not fully reflect the basic spirt and the agreed guiding principles of the RCEP. He said, it also does not address satisfactorily India’s outstanding issues and concerns and in such a situation, it is not possible for India to join the RCEP Agreement. Prime minister said, India stands for greater regional integration as well as for freer trade and adherence to a rule-based international order.
Later, speaking at a Press Conference at Bangkok, Secretary (East) of External Affairs Ministry Vijay Thakur Singh said, the core issues of the country will not be compromised and this decision was taken in the interest of the nation.
Ms Thakur said, the RCEP agreement with China and ASEAN countries does not reflect its original intent and the outcome is not balanced.
Prime minister Narendra Modi leaves for home after concluding his visit to Thailand.
Congress claims victory
With India deciding not to join the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), the Congress on Monday claimed victory saying its forceful opposition has ensured that the BJP government backs out from bartering the interests of farmers, dairy producers, fishermen and small and medium businessmen.
Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said it is a win for all those protecting national interests.
“A forceful opposition by Congress and Rahul Gandhi ensures that BJP government backs down from bartering the interests of farmers, dairy producers, fishermen, small and medium businesses at the altar of political expediency. A victory for all fighting for protecting national interests (sic),” he said on Twitter.
He said with “rampant unemployment, a sinking economy and deep agrarian crisis emanating from utter mismanagement of economy by BJP Government”, signing RCEP would have been catastrophic.