India joins dozens of nations as third party in WTO Russia-EU carbon border dispute

A WTO Dispute Settlement Body meeting in Geneva agreed to set up a panel to examine Russia's challenge to the European Union's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, which Moscow alleges functions as an export subsidy. India has now reserved its right to act as a third party in the case, joining more than a dozen other states including Argentina, Brazil, Canada and the United States. By obtaining third-party status, India will be able to follow the dispute closely and present its own views on the WTO legal issues raised, without becoming a principal party.

Officials noted that this allows India to see both the EU's and Russia's positions and assess potential implications for its own trade. The decision is particularly relevant for Indian producers of steel, aluminium and other carbon-intensive products that could face additional costs under the EU's CBAM regime.