China, the US and various environmental groups expressed profound concern and disappointment after a draft treaty designed to reduce fishing subsidies failed to pass at the World Trade Organization (WTO) on July 23, reports Reuters. 

The treaty, seen as crucial for the recovery of over-fished stocks, has been in the works for over 20 years, with an initial package approved in 2022. The second phase of the treaty, addressing some of the most challenging issues, was up for approval at a WTO meeting this week but was blocked by India.

India criticized the treaty's "significant shortcomings" and sought deeper exemptions for developing countries. Consequently, the talks were downgraded from adoption to merely being "discussed" by the WTO's 166 members, any of whom can block a deal under the organization's rules.

"We are deeply concerned for our future work here in the WTO on these negotiations," said US ambassador Maria Pagan. "We find it difficult to understand the objectives of these papers when they re-introduce topics that have been debated and discussed repeatedly."

China, a significant provider of fishing subsidies, also expressed profound disappointment over the treaty's failure to be adopted.

"The fish and this planet cannot wait any longer," said ambassador Li Chenggang. While he did not specifically name India, he alluded to multiple failures of the talks "due to the same or similar reasons."

"We need to think about how to get out of this dilemma... Let's change. No reform, no success," he said. 

Environmental groups also voiced their regret over the setback.

"The longer we wait, the more fishers are hurt by damaging subsidies that deplete the fish populations that coastal communities depend on," said senior officer at The Pew Charitable Trusts Ernesto Fernandez.