India reiterates WTO-consistent trade policy, calls for development-oriented reforms
New Delhi, July 24
India has reaffirmed its commitment to transparent and WTO-consistent trade policies and has called for development-oriented WTO reforms, as per a statement by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry.
India has concluded the 8th Trade Policy Review at the World Trade Organization (WTO) in Geneva. According to the release, Commerce Secretary said reform is an ongoing process, highlighting India's tariff reforms, customs simplification measures and ambitious Free Trade Agreement (FTA) strategy as key steps that have strengthened the country's integration with the global economy while advancing domestic development goals.
India received 1,094 written questions from 44 WTO members, while 68 members made interventions during the two review sessions held on July 21 and 23, 2026. Members broadly appreciated India's constructive engagement and economic resilience and welcomed India's acceptance of the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, as per the release.
The Commerce Secretary emphasised India's continued role as a major driver of global demand.
"Responding to the issues raised by Members, the Commerce Secretary reiterated that India's trade policies are guided by WTO-consistent principles while balancing the developmental needs of a large developing economy," the release said.
Agarwal further said India's agricultural tariff structure is aimed at protecting the livelihoods of millions of small, low-income and resource-poor farmers, while industrial tariffs are designed to strengthen supply chain resilience, promote diversification and support domestic manufacturing amid evolving global economic conditions.
As per the release, Agarwal stressed WTO reform should remain development-oriented, preserve policy space for developing countries, bolster the credibility and deliver on existing mandates. "India also reaffirmed its commitment to engaging constructively with all Members to strengthen the multilateral trading system while preserving the foundational principles of the WTO," the release said.
The Trade Policy Review is an important WTO transparency and monitoring mechanism under which members' trade and related policies are periodically examined to promote transparency, ensure greater adherence to WTO rules and facilitate constructive dialogue among members.
— ANI
Reader Comments
As someone who works in international trade, India's approach makes sense. But I do wonder if the agricultural tariffs are too protective? Many developing countries in Africa and Asia could benefit from more open markets. Still, India has to prioritize its own people first.
Finally some sensible trade diplomacy! Our Commerce Ministry has been doing a solid job navigating these complex WTO waters. The 1,094 questions from 44 members shows how important India's position is. We should leverage our growing market power to push for fairer global trade rules.
I appreciate India's commitment to WTO rules, but we need to be honest - our tariff structure is still quite complex and often arbitrary. The 'Make in India' push is good, but sometimes protectionism hurts consumers more than it helps industry. A more transparent, predictable policy would attract more FDI.
Development-oriented reforms - that's exactly what we need! The WTO was designed by developed countries for their benefit. India must continue to push for policy space for developing nations. Our farmers aren't competing with US or EU subsidies; we need different rules for different realities. Well done, Commerce Secretary! 👏
Interesting to see India positioning itself as a 'major driver of global demand' while maintaining protective tariffs. That's a delicate balancing act. The FTAs India is signing will be key - they show India wants integration on its own terms. Time will tell if this strategy pays off for both India and its trading partners.
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