According to the WT/TPR/S/249, page 106, § 219, "India became an observer to the WTO Agreement on Government Procurement in February 2010.[…]" Nevertheless, at § 220 of the same document, it is said that "[…] the Central Government has set reservations and price preferences as part of the procurement system. […]" If India becomes a member of the GPA or other bilateral or multilateral government procurement agreement, how India will harmonize its reservations and price preferences? Will they be excluded from the scope of these agreements? Will these reservations and price preferences be extended to all signatories countries? Or such reservations and price preferences will no longer be applicable to both domestic and foreigners suppliers?
Reply: Issue of India commencing accession to GPA is under examination. At present, any comments on these issues is not feasible, except that GPA provides for negotiated flexibilities and carve outs.
