Brussels, 11/04/2007 (Agence Europe) - On Tuesday, India blocked the EU's complaint to the WTO about the prohibitively high levels of import duties imposed on wines and spirits (see EUROPE 9394). At the end of March, Indian External Trade Minister Kamal Nath said that his country wanted to find a negotiated settlement to its dispute with the EU. He has just confirmed this position: “We recognise that tariffs are high. We are in talks with the EU… they are at an advanced stage. I believe this situation will be corrected,” he said, according to AFP. Indian import duties are set at 150% for spirits and 100% for wines. Further taxes are levied by the sub-continent's 28 states (combined duties and taxes can be as high as 550% for spirits and 264% for wines), with non-tariff barriers being imposed too. The Indian action in blocking consideration of the EU's complaint is in accordance with WTO procedures. If, contrary to the declared wishes of Mr Nath, the two parties fail to settle the dispute amicably, the EU will be able to renew its request for its complaint to be examined on 24 April, when the WTO Dispute Settlement Body is next due to meet. India will not be able to oppose this request. (ol)