An official delegation headed by Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agarwal participated in India's eighth trade policy review meeting at the WTO, which concluded today (Tuesday) in Geneva. According to the commerce ministry statement, this marks India's 8th TPR meeting under the World Trade Organization framework. The Trade Policy Review (TPR) is described as an important transparency mechanism that involves comprehensive peer review of a member's trade policies.
The review drew significant international interest, with India receiving 1,094 questions from 44 WTO members, while 68 members made interventions during the discussions. As per the government, WTO members have submitted over 900 questions covering a wide range of issues, including trade reforms, digitisation initiatives, support for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), customs procedures, investment policies and other aspects of India's trade regime. The process is based on two principal documents: a policy statement submitted by the member under review (called the Government Report) and a report prepared by the WTO Secretariat, which is circulated to all member countries. According to the ministry, as of July 20, 2026, WTO Members have submitted more than 900 questions for India's written responses, reflecting significant interest in India's growing economy and trade profile.
While defending its trade policies at the World Trade Organization (WTO), Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agarwal explained that India's quality control orders (QCOs) are intended to achieve legitimate public policy objectives, addressing concerns raised by certain WTO member countries about these measures. Agarwal emphasized that trade remedy investigations are conducted transparently, based on objective evidence, due process and judicial oversight. The government emphasized that India's agricultural tariff structure is designed to safeguard the livelihoods of millions of small, low-income and resource-poor farmers, ensuring fairness and equity, while industrial tariffs support supply chain resilience, diversification and domestic manufacturing capabilities in an evolving global economic environment. The secretary stressed that these measures are designed to support domestic industries and consumer interests while ensuring the country's economic resilience during challenging global conditions.
India will highlight its record export performance, noting that the country's total exports reached a record $863.1 billion in FY26, registering a growth of 6.3% over 2021-22, as reported by the commerce ministry. During the review, India will present its trade policy record for the 2021-2025 period, highlighting major economic and structural reforms undertaken in recent years. The government is expected to showcase key initiatives, including the implementation and expansion of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), the rapid adoption of the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), the country's free trade agreement (FTA) strategy and reforms aimed at improving ease of doing business and facilitating trade. The review will also cover India's trade engagement through free trade agreements, GST reforms and digital initiatives such as the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and digital tools for trade facilitation. Agarwal noted that India's tariff reforms, customs simplification measures and ambitious Free Trade Agreement (FTA) strategy have steadily strengthened the country's integration with the global economy.
