India, Pak bonhomie at WTO blossoms despite fractious bilateral relations

Even as the bilateral relationship between the two neighbouring countries remains hostile, there is growing coordination between India and Pakistan on one multilateral forum — the World Trade Organization (WTO).

Both countries have made two joint submissions at the WTO as co-sponsors in the past two months. In June, Pakistan joined India, Cuba, and 44 African countries, seeking sufficient flexibility in intellectual property rights for developing countries to fight the Covid-19 pandemic.

In July, the same group of countries had again submitted a communication to the WTO on strengthening the intergovernmental organisation to promote development and inclusivity.

“Pakistan is increasingly