New Delhi, July 20 -- India has become the 123rd member of the World Trade Organization (WTO) to join the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies after depositing its Instrument of Acceptance, a move the government said will strengthen the country's position as a responsible seafood exporter while protecting the interests of traditional and small-scale fishers.

According to a Ministry of Commerce and Industry press release, Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agarwal formally handed over India's Instrument of Acceptance to the WTO Director-General on July 20.

The ministry said India's decision "reaffirms the country's commitment to sustainable fisheries management while preserving marine resources as a source of food security, livelihoods and employment...