New York, May 10: India and the United States have agreed to resolve the divisive issues for an early conclusion of the Doha round of trade negotiations. It would send a "strong message" of global unity and resolve in the face of increasing uncertainties in world economy due to rising food and energy prices and turmoil in financial markets in several countries, an official statement issued yesterday on the talks between Commerce and Industry Minister Kamal Nath with United States Trade Representative Susan Schwab said.

In the meeting, which was held on Thursday, they have decided to begin technical work to bring about consensus on the divisive issues among the members of the World Trade Organization (WTO), the statement said.

During the talks, Nath told Schwab that India would not accept any constraints or restrictions on its ability to provide assistance to its poor fishermen as it is a question of their livelihood.

The Agriculture negotiation, they agreed, pose the greatest challenges as they involve complex issues of subsidies and sensitivities on market access, especially in developing countries, in relation to food security and livelihood concerns of poor farmers.