WTO 8th Trade Policy Review of India: Global Focus on India's Trade Reforms and Export Growth

Why in News?

India's 8th Trade Policy Review (TPR) at the World Trade Organization (WTO) is being held on 21 and 23 July 2026 in Geneva. The review examines India's trade policies and economic reforms undertaken during 1 January 2021 to 31 December 2025. The Indian delegation is led by Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agarwal. The review provides an opportunity for India to present its trade policy achievements, economic reforms, and future vision before WTO members.

What is the WTO Trade Policy Review (TPR)?

The Trade Policy Review (TPR) is a transparency mechanism established by the WTO to periodically assess the trade policies and practices of its members.

Objectives

• Promote transparency in global trade.
• Improve predictability of trade policies.
• Strengthen confidence in the multilateral trading system.
• Encourage adherence to WTO rules through peer review.

Unlike the WTO's dispute settlement system, the TPR is not a legal or punitive mechanism. It is a peer-review process designed to improve transparency and policy understanding.

How is the Review Conducted?

The Trade Policy Review is based on two principal documents:

1. Government Report

Prepared by the Government of India, highlighting:

• Economic performance
• Trade policy reforms
• Digital initiatives
• Future trade priorities

2. WTO Secretariat Report

Prepared independently by the WTO Secretariat based on consultations and policy analysis.

Both reports are discussed by all WTO members during the Trade Policy Review Body (TPRB) meeting.

Why It Matters ?

1. Strengthening Multilateral Trade Governance

• The WTO Trade Policy Review (TPR) is a transparency mechanism that promotes predictability, accountability and confidence among WTO members through peer review of trade policies. 
• India's participation reinforces its position as a responsible stakeholder in the rules-based multilateral trading system. 
• The review also enables India to clarify its trade policies, reducing the likelihood of misunderstandings and future trade disputes. 

2. Showcasing India's Economic Resilience

During the review period (2021–2025), India demonstrated remarkable economic resilience.

• Merchandise and services exports reached an all-time high of US$ 863.1 billion in 2025–26. 
• India remained the fastest-growing major economy despite global uncertainties. 
• The review offers India an opportunity to showcase reforms undertaken after the pandemic. 

3. Recognition of Major Trade Reforms

The review highlights several landmark reforms undertaken by India, including:

• Expansion of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). 
• Rationalisation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST). 
• Digital Public Infrastructure such as UPI. 
• Digital customs and trade facilitation measures. 
• Ease of Doing Business initiatives. 

These reforms improve India's competitiveness in global trade.

India's Performance During the Review Period (2021–2025)

India demonstrated strong economic resilience despite global economic uncertainties.

Major Achievements

Strong Economic Recovery

• India rebounded rapidly after the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Continued as the fastest-growing major economy.

Record Export Performance

• Exports reached an all-time high of US$ 863.1 billion.
• Growth of 6.3% over the review period.

Major Trade Reforms

India highlighted several reforms, including:

• Expansion of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs).
• Rationalisation and simplification of the GST structure.
• Promotion of digital trade facilitation.
• Wider adoption of Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and digital customs systems.
• Ease of Doing Business initiatives.

Why Have WTO Members Submitted Over 900 Questions?

As of 20 July 2026, WTO members submitted more than 900 questions, reflecting global interest in India's growing economy.

Major themes include:

• Digital economy reforms
• Trade facilitation
• MSME development
• Women's participation in the economy
• Industrial policy
• Viksit Bharat
• Atmanirbhar Bharat
• Customs procedures
• Investment policies

Why is the Review Important for India?

The review enables India to:

• Showcase its economic reforms and policy initiatives.
• Build confidence among investors and trading partners.
• Explain domestic trade policies to WTO members.
• Strengthen India's role in multilateral trade negotiations.
• Promote transparency in trade governance.
• Enhance India's credibility in global commerce.

About the WTO Trade Policy Review Body (TPRB)

The Trade Policy Review Body (TPRB) consists of all WTO member countries.

Functions

• Conduct periodic reviews of members' trade policies.
• Assess tariff and non-tariff measures.
• Examine domestic trade regulations.
• Promote transparency and predictability in the global trading system.

The frequency of review depends on a member's share in world trade. India is reviewed once every five years.

World Trade Organization (WTO): At a Glance

Challenges

1. Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs)

Many trading partners continue to impose:

• Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) measures 
• Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) 

These can restrict India's exports in sectors like:

• Agriculture 
• Pharmaceuticals 
• Food products 

UPSC Link: WTO Agreement on SPS & TBT

2. Digital Trade and Data Governance

India's digital economy policies, including data localisation and digital governance frameworks, may attract discussions regarding:

• Cross-border data flows 
• Digital trade rules 
• Future WTO e-commerce negotiations 

UPSC Link: WTO E-Commerce Moratorium

3. Subsidies and Industrial Policy

Schemes such as the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) programme may be examined from the perspective of WTO subsidy disciplines.

Similarly, India's agricultural support policies often remain an important issue in WTO discussions.

UPSC Link:

• Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures (ASCM) 
• Agreement on Agriculture (AoA) 

4. Climate and Sustainable Trade

Global trade is increasingly linked with:

• Environmental standards 
• Carbon emissions 
• Labour practices 

Mechanisms such as the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) may influence India's future export competitiveness.

UPSC Link: WTO and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

5. Geopolitical Trade Fragmentation

Ongoing geopolitical tensions and shifting supply chains continue to reshape global trade.

India must balance:

• Strategic autonomy 
• Regional trade partnerships 
• WTO commitments 

While protecting its export interests.

Key Highlights

Way Forward

India's 8th WTO Trade Policy Review reflects the country's growing role in the global trading system and provides an opportunity to showcase its economic resilience, export performance, digital governance, and trade reforms. Going forward, deeper integration with global value chains, expansion of Free Trade Agreements, continued digitalisation of trade processes, and active participation in WTO reforms will strengthen India's position as a leading global trading nation while advancing the vision of Viksit Bharat.

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