India's 8th Trade Policy Review (TPR) at the World Trade Organization (WTO) commenced today in Geneva, with Commerce Secretary Shri Rajesh Agarwal leading the Indian delegation and reaffirming the country's commitment to a transparent, rules-based, inclusive and development-oriented multilateral trading system. The Trade Policy Review meeting, being held on 21 and 23 July 2026, provides WTO Members an opportunity to assess India's trade and related policies during the review period from 1 January 2021 to 31 December 2025.

In his opening statement, the Commerce Secretary highlighted India's strong economic performance, with the country recording an average annual growth of nearly 8 per cent during the review period despite an exceptionally challenging global environment. He noted that India's exports reached a record USD 863.1 billion in 2025-26 and emphasised that India is undertaking the unprecedented task of advancing the prosperity of nearly one-fifth of humanity amid global uncertainty, technological disruption, supply chain realignments and rising protectionism.

Shri Agarwal underlined that Aatmanirbhar Bharat is strengthening domestic capabilities while integrating India more deeply into global value chains. He highlighted key reforms undertaken through the Jan Vishwas Initiative, trade facilitation measures, digital customs, logistics modernisation, quality infrastructure, Digital Public Infrastructure, artificial intelligence, innovation, sustainability, agricultural resilience, expanding regional trade agreements, and inclusive development through South-South Cooperation and the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme. He also reaffirmed India's support for balanced, development-oriented WTO reforms that preserve and strengthen the multilateral trading system.

In her opening remarks, Trade Policy Review Body (TPRB) Chair Ambassador Nelle Pepe Tavita Levy welcomed the Indian delegation and highlighted India's remarkable growth as one of the fastest-growing major economies progressing towards the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047. She recognised India's leadership in digitally delivered services exports and Digital Public Infrastructure reforms that have strengthened financial inclusion and trade facilitation. She also welcomed India's acceptance of the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, marked by the deposition of its Instrument of Acceptance the previous day, and appreciated India's timely responses to all advance written questions, describing them as a demonstration of transparency under the Trade Policy Review Mechanism.

The discussant, H.E. Mr. Guilherme de Aguiar Patriota of Brazil, participating in his personal capacity, commended India's structural reforms, particularly the Goods and Services Tax (GST) for unifying the national market, digital trade reforms, expanding export strategy and recent regional trade agreements. He also appreciated India's Duty-Free Tariff Preference Scheme for Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and its longstanding contribution to the WTO amid evolving multilateral challenges. He observed that India's Digital Public Infrastructure and development-oriented reforms offer valuable lessons for developing countries and LDCs pursuing digital transformation.

During the meeting, 65 WTO Members are participating in the discussion on various aspects of India's trade policy. Several Members recalled the value of their trade and economic relationship with India and broadly appreciated the country's constructive engagement in the multilateral trading system and its strong economic resilience. Members also highlighted India's achievements in Digital Public Infrastructure, customs and trade facilitation modernisation, innovation and startup initiatives, expanding regional trade agreements, and efforts to integrate MSMEs into global value chains. They also welcomed India's acceptance of the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies.

Several Members sought further clarifications on issues relating to trade and investment regimes, certain trade policy measures and practices, Quality Control Orders (QCOs), trade remedy measures and matters relating to ongoing WTO reforms.

Alongside the Trade Policy Review, India organised an exhibition showcasing a diverse range of Indian products, highlighting the country's craftsmanship, innovation and quality. Traditional papier-mâché coasters presented as souvenirs were warmly appreciated by WTO delegates as a reflection of India's rich artisanal heritage.

India's Trade Policy Review meeting will conclude on 23 July 2026, following further discussions among WTO Members and India's responses to the issues raised during the review.

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Abhishek Dayal/ Abhijith  Narayanan/ Ishita Biswas

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