India reiterates support for rules-based global trade at WTO policy review in Geneva
Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agarwal showcased the country's economic resilience, export growth and reform agenda as 65 member nations assessed its trade policies for 2021-25.
Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agarwal
GENEVA: India reaffirmed its commitment to a transparent, inclusive and development-oriented multilateral trading system as its eighth Trade Policy Review (TPR) began at the World Trade Organization (WTO) in Geneva on Tuesday. The two-day review provides WTO members an opportunity to evaluate India’s trade and related policies covering the period from January 1, 2021, to December 31, 2025.
Leading the Indian delegation, Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agarwal said India remained committed to strengthening the global trading framework while pursuing domestic reforms to enhance competitiveness and promote inclusive growth. He noted that despite a challenging global environment marked by geopolitical uncertainty, technological disruption, supply chain shifts and rising protectionism, India recorded an average annual economic growth of nearly 8 percent during the review period.
Highlighting the country’s trade performance, Agarwal said India’s exports reached a record USD 863.1 billion in 2025-26. He said the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative was helping strengthen domestic capabilities while enabling deeper integration with global value chains.
The Commerce Secretary outlined a series of reforms undertaken during the review period, including the Jan Vishwas Initiative, digital customs systems, logistics modernisation, improvements in quality infrastructure, expansion of Digital Public Infrastructure, adoption of artificial intelligence and innovation, sustainability initiatives, measures to improve agricultural resilience, new regional trade agreements, and development partnerships through South-South Cooperation and the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme.
He also reiterated India’s support for balanced WTO reforms that preserve and strengthen the multilateral trading system while addressing the developmental concerns of member countries.
Trade Policy Review Body Chair Ambassador Nelle Pepe Tavita Levy welcomed the Indian delegation and described India as one of the fastest-growing major economies progressing towards its Viksit Bharat 2047 vision. She acknowledged India’s leadership in digitally delivered services exports and Digital Public Infrastructure reforms, which have strengthened financial inclusion and trade facilitation.
Levy also welcomed India’s acceptance of the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies through the submission of its Instrument of Acceptance and appreciated the country’s timely responses to advance questions from member nations as an example of transparency under the Trade Policy Review Mechanism.
Serving as the discussant in his personal capacity, Brazil’s Guilherme de Aguiar Patriota praised India’s structural reforms, particularly the Goods and Services Tax (GST), digital trade initiatives, export expansion strategy and recent regional trade agreements. He also highlighted India’s Duty-Free Tariff Preference Scheme for Least Developed Countries and said the country’s digital transformation initiatives offered valuable lessons for other developing economies.
A total of 65 WTO members participated in the review discussions, with many appreciating India’s constructive engagement in the multilateral trading system and its economic resilience. Delegations also recognised India’s progress in Digital Public Infrastructure, customs modernisation, innovation, startup promotion, regional trade agreements and efforts to integrate micro, small and medium enterprises into global value chains. Several members also welcomed India’s acceptance of the Fisheries Subsidies Agreement.
Some member countries sought additional clarifications on India’s trade and investment policies, Quality Control Orders, trade remedy measures and issues related to ongoing WTO reforms.
On the sidelines of the review, India organised an exhibition showcasing a wide range of products reflecting the country’s craftsmanship, innovation and manufacturing capabilities. Traditional papier-mâché coasters presented as souvenirs were well received by WTO delegates.
The Trade Policy Review will conclude on July 23 after further discussions and India’s responses to issues raised by WTO members.
